The Dark Knight Ram is a striking and relatively new color morph of the popular German Blue Ram (Mikrogeophagus ramirezi). As you might guess from the name, its defining characteristic is its darker overall coloration compared to the vibrant blues, yellows, and oranges of the typical German Blue Ram.
Key Features:
- Appearance: Dark Knight Rams typically exhibit a deep, almost black or dark grey body overlaid with subtle iridescent blue or purple spangling. The characteristic black spot on the mid-body and the red or pink blush on the belly (especially in females) may still be present but can appear more muted against the darker background. The finnage often has dark edges or a smoky appearance, sometimes with hints of blue or red. The intensity of the dark coloration can vary depending on the specific lineage and the fish's mood and water parameters.
- Temperament: Similar to German Blue Rams, Dark Knight Rams are generally peaceful and can be kept in community tanks with other non-aggressive fish of similar size and temperament. They can be slightly territorial, especially during breeding, but serious aggression is rare.
- Size: They reach a similar size to standard German Blue Rams, typically growing to around 5-7 cm (2-2.8 inches) in length.
- Tank Requirements:
- A minimum tank size of 40-60 liters (10-15 gallons) is recommended for a single pair.
- They prefer a well-planted tank with a soft substrate (like sand) and plenty of hiding places provided by driftwood, rocks, and caves.
- Good water quality is crucial. They are sensitive to poor water conditions.
- Water Parameters:
- Temperature: 26-30°C (79-86°F) (slightly warmer than some other tropical fish)
- pH: 5.5-7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- GH (General Hardness): 5-15 dGH (soft to moderately soft)
- KH (Carbonate Hardness): 1-5 dKH (low alkalinity)
- Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
- Nitrate: <20 ppm (regular water changes are essential)
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Diet: They are omnivores and will accept a variety of small, high-quality foods. Their diet should include a good quality flake or pellet food as a staple, supplemented with live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms, and finely chopped vegetables.
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Compatibility: They are generally compatible with other peaceful community fish such as small tetras, rasboras, dwarf gouramis, and Corydoras catfish. Avoid keeping them with large or boisterous fish that might intimidate them or compete aggressively for food.
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Breeding: Dark Knight Rams can be bred in the aquarium under the right conditions. They are substrate spawners and will lay their eggs on flat surfaces like rocks or driftwood. Both parents typically exhibit strong parental care.
Origin and Availability:
Orinoco River and tributaries in Venezuala and Colombian Llano grasslands.
The Dark Knight Ram is a selectively bred color morph, likely originating from dedicated breeders aiming to enhance the darker pigments in the German Blue Ram lineage. They are becoming increasingly available in the aquarium hobby, though they might still be less common than the standard German Blue Ram in some areas.
In Summary:
The Dark Knight Ram offers a unique and visually appealing alternative to the traditional German Blue Ram. Their darker coloration provides a striking contrast in a planted aquarium. They share similar care requirements and peaceful temperaments with their more brightly colored relatives, making them a rewarding fish to keep for both beginner and experienced aquarists who appreciate their distinctive beauty.
