Dark Knight Ram (Mikrogeophagus Ramirezi)

The Dark Knight Ram is a striking colour variety of the popular German Blue Ram, known for its deep black body tones contrasted with vibrant blue iridescent spotting. These dwarf cichlids are prized for their bold coloration, interesting behaviour, and relatively peaceful temperament.

Dark Knight Rams make a fantastic centrepiece fish for planted aquariums, bringing vibrant colour and personality to well-designed community tanks.

At N8 Aquatics, our Dark Knight Rams are carefully raised and conditioned, producing strong, healthy fish suited to well-maintained aquariums.

Pair Recommendation

Dark Knight Rams are often kept as pairs, where their natural behaviour and colouration are best displayed.

Many aquarists enjoy observing their fascinating social behaviour, including courtship displays, territory formation, and breeding behaviour.

For the best experience, we recommend keeping one male and one female together in a suitable aquarium.

Species Snapshot

• Size Sold: Juveniles / young adults (size may vary)
• Adult Size: 5–7 cm
• Tank Size: 80 L minimum
• Temperament: Peaceful dwarf cichlid
• Temperature: 26–30°C
• pH: 5.5 – 7.0
• Difficulty: Moderate

Key Information

• Scientific Name: Mikrogeophagus ramirezi
• Common Name: Dark Knight Ram / German Blue Ram variant
• Adult Size: Approximately 5–7 cm
• Temperament: Peaceful but territorial during breeding
• Difficulty Level: Moderate

Recommended Tank Setup

Dark Knight Rams thrive in well-maintained planted aquariums with stable water conditions.

Recommended aquascape:

• driftwood or natural hardscape
• fine sand substrate
• live plants such as java fern, cryptocoryne, or vallisneria
• shaded areas and gentle flow

These fish enjoy structured environments where they can establish small territories while still having open swimming space.

Water Parameters

Rams prefer warm, clean, and stable water conditions.

• Temperature: 26–30 °C
• pH: 5.5 – 7.0
• GH: 1 – 8 dGH
• Water Flow: Low to moderate

Frequent water changes and stable parameters are essential for keeping Rams healthy and displaying their best colours.

Diet

Dark Knight Rams are omnivorous and benefit from a varied diet.

Recommended foods include:

• high quality micro pellets
• frozen bloodworms
• frozen brine shrimp
• frozen daphnia
• live foods when available

Feeding a varied diet helps maintain colouration and promotes healthy growth.

Compatibility

Dark Knight Rams are peaceful dwarf cichlids and work well in calm community aquariums.

Suitable tankmates include:

• small tetras
• peaceful rasboras
• Corydoras
• small rainbowfish
• other peaceful dwarf cichlids

Avoid aggressive or overly active tankmates that may stress them.

Behaviour

Dark Knight Rams are intelligent and curious fish that often explore their environment and observe activity outside the tank.

Pairs may form naturally and can display fascinating breeding behaviours including territory defence, courtship displays, and parental care.

Why Buy From N8 Aquatics

• Carefully raised aquarium fish
• Healthy, well-conditioned stock
• Strong genetics and vibrant colouration
• Experienced breeder support if you have questions

Our fish are raised with attention to water quality, diet, and husbandry to ensure customers receive strong, healthy livestock ready for their aquarium.

Pickup Information

N8 Aquatics currently operates as a local pickup-only breeder in Central Queensland.

Orders are collected by appointment after purchase confirmation.

Please ensure you are able to collect your fish before placing an order.

Important

All livestock sold by N8 Aquatics should be introduced to fully cycled aquariums suitable for the species being kept.

Please ensure your aquarium setup and tankmates are appropriate before purchasing.