{"product_id":"longfin-balloon-ram","title":"Longfin Balloon Ram","description":"\u003ch3 class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eAbout the Longfin Balloon Ram\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Longfin Balloon Ram is one of the most spectacular ornamental dwarf cichlids available, combining the rounded body shape of the Balloon Ram with the elegant flowing fins of the Longfin variety. Its brilliant metallic blues, vibrant golds, fiery reds, and iridescent spotting create a truly eye-catching centrepiece for planted aquariums and peaceful community tanks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis selectively bred variety retains the peaceful temperament and fascinating personality of the German Blue Ram while displaying dramatically elongated dorsal, anal, and caudal fins. Mature males often develop even longer finnage and more intense colouration, particularly during courtship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLongfin Balloon Rams thrive in warm, heavily planted aquariums with driftwood, rocks, caves, and gentle water flow. They appreciate soft, clean water with stable conditions and are ideal companions for Cardinal Tetras, Ember Tetras, Corydoras, Hatchetfish, Pencilfish, peaceful Rasboras, and other calm South American species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA varied diet of premium micro pellets, quality cichlid granules, frozen bloodworms, baby brine shrimp, daphnia, blackworms, and other live or frozen foods will maximise their vibrant colours and maintain excellent health.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeautiful, intelligent, and full of personality, the Longfin Balloon Ram is a premium addition to any planted freshwater aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eQuick Care Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMikrogeophagus ramirezi\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLongfin Balloon Ram\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eOrigin\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCaptive-bred variety of a species native to the Orinoco River Basin, Venezuela and Colombia\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eAdult Size\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5–6 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eTemperament\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePeaceful\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDiet\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOmnivore\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eMinimum Tank Size\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e75 Litres\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eTemperature\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e27–30°C\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003epH\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5.5–7.0\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWater Hardness\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1–8 dGH\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDifficulty\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIntermediate\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eLifespan\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3–5 Years\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eSuitable For\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlanted aquariums, South American community tanks, and peaceful freshwater aquariums\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAre Longfin Balloon Rams peaceful?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. They are peaceful dwarf cichlids that make excellent community fish when housed with other calm species. They may become mildly territorial during breeding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat do Longfin Balloon Rams eat?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey thrive on premium cichlid pellets, micro granules, frozen bloodworms, baby brine shrimp, daphnia, blackworms, and other high-quality live or frozen foods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan Longfin Balloon Rams live with Corydoras?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Corydoras make excellent tank mates, as they occupy different areas of the aquarium and have similar water requirements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy are my Longfin Balloon Ram's colours fading?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePoor water quality, stress, low temperatures, or an inadequate diet can reduce their vibrant colours. Warm, stable water and a varied diet will help maintain their brilliant appearance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAre Longfin Balloon Rams suitable for beginners?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey are best suited to aquarists with some experience, as they require consistently warm, clean, and stable water conditions to thrive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Mistakes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eKeeping them in cool water\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLongfin Balloon Rams require warmer temperatures than most tropical fish. Temperatures below \u003cstrong\u003e27°C\u003c\/strong\u003e for extended periods can weaken their immune system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003ePoor water quality\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey are sensitive to ammonia, nitrite, and fluctuating water conditions. Regular maintenance and excellent filtration are essential.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHousing them with aggressive fish\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid large cichlids and boisterous species that may intimidate or outcompete them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eFeeding only dry foods\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA varied diet including frozen and live foods helps maximise colouration, health, and breeding condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eOverstocking the aquarium\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvide adequate territories with plants, driftwood, and caves to reduce stress and encourage natural behaviour.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Apex Aquatic","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48861331914891,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0579\/8353\/3195\/files\/ZB5TIgO_nfjI0ALiMQaYdpbxTl1at9486zwmRAndWfmueU-zqzasu3pV7LovXnNuJNsqumTim1jTA0eJ0fvgkz8tqj0QrYoQyYNf0nHNeg2Ts2ZXmXMR0mTF5A0PxiqAPCGP0RbRjfJD7vP2Hnga-zrJU-kjJt42g5lQMt1Kv0dJfiX_BigIhcW.jpg?v=1786015663","url":"https:\/\/apexaquatic.com.au\/products\/longfin-balloon-ram","provider":"Apex Aquatic","version":"1.0","type":"link"}