Boasting metallic blue bodies decorated with dazzling yellow and black fins, electric blue rams (Mikrogeophagus ramirezi) captivate aquarists with their beauty. However, providing these sensitive cichlids an optimal diet and appropriate feeding routine remains critical to maintaining health.
Staple DietComponents
Electric blue rams require balanced nutrition provided through combination staple foods below.
High Quality Flakes
Flake foods help diversify their diet. Choose brands designed for tropical community fish that contain carotenoids to really make their colors pop.
Freeze-Dried Foods
In addition to flakes, mixing in freeze-dried bloodworms, daphnia, shrimp and tubifex worms supplies the 37-45% minimum protein levels electric blue rams need. This helps prevent lateral line erosion.
Sinking Cichlid Pellets
Sinking pellets catered towards cichlids provide well-rounded nutrition including critical amino acids supporting proper growth and development. Look for pellet sizes fine enough for their small mouths as well.
Supplemental Treats
While the above comprise dietary staples, the following supplemental items enhance nutrition further.
Blanched Veggies
Thawed frozen veggie mixes containing peas, spinach, zucchini, sweet potatoes (all blanched briefly) make excellent treats that also aid digestion. Chop finely or blitz veggie pieces in a food processor for bite-size portions to prevent issues swallowing.
Live or Frozen Brine Shrimp
Both adult and baby brine shrimp eaten live or thawed from frozen state provide beneficial protein and enzymes. However feed only as an occasional treat since excessive shrimp intake risks inducing bloating.
Proper Feeding Techniques
Adhering to optimal feeding techniques prevents common electric blue ram health issues.
Feed Small Portions
Only feed them what they can finish within 2-3 minutes 1-2 times daily. Uneaten decaying food fouls water rapidly. Overfeeding also commonly causes intestinal issues.
Varied Diet
Varying protein sources, freeze dried and pellet foods prevents them becoming bored, leading to poor growth. An assortment of foods also ensures balanced nutrition better than a single item alone can provide.
Use Quality Foods
Quality flake and freeze dried brands may cost more but offer better nutrition and less filler ingredients. Check expiration dates and proper storage as well – expired items provide little nutrition.
Soak Foods Beforehand
Soaking freeze dried bloodworms and tubifex worms before feeding softens them up for easier swallowing while also preventing dangerous intestinal blockages resulting from accidental inhalation of dry items.
Conclusion
Providing electric blue rams a thoughtfully balanced prepared diet comprised of high protein commercial staples supplemented with fresh vegetable matter satisfies nutritional requirements these sensitive cichlids need to thrive within home aquarium environments. Follow proper feeding techniques as well.
FAQs About Electric Blue Ram Diet
1. How often should you feed electric blue rams?
Offer electric blue rams a small mixture of foods once or twice per day. Feed babies and juveniles smaller but more frequent meals 3-4 times daily to support rapid growth phases.
2. What vegetables can electric blue rams eat?
Some of the best vegetable offerings for blue rams include blanched peas, zucchini, spinach, sweet potato, carrots and green beans finely chopped or processed to bite-size portions.
3. Do electric blue rams eat live plants?
While they typically won’t devour aquatic plants, electric blue rams may sample tender leaves out of curiosity. Densely planted tanks help make them feel secure. Choose tougher plants species to allow sampling without destruction.
4. Should electric blue rams eat algae?
While supplemental grazing on algae and aufwuchs won’t harm them, relying on naturally growing algae cannot satisfy an electric blue ram’s dietary requirements fully without prepared foods too.
5. Why are my electric blue rams not eating?
Newly introduced rams often refuse foods initially until acclimated. But appetite loss extending beyond a few days often results from poor water quality, aggression from tankmates or symptoms of an underlying illness requiring attention.