PAP Blue Ram (Papiliochromis ramirezi)

The PAP Blue Ram (Papiliochromis ramirezi) is regarded by many aquarists as one of the highest-quality ram strains available. Carefully bred for exceptional colour, robust health, and outstanding finnage, these beautiful dwarf cichlids display brilliant electric blue spangling, vibrant yellow and gold highlights, and vivid red accents that make them a true centrepiece in any aquarium.

Unlike many commercially produced rams, PAP Rams are renowned for their strength, vitality, and excellent temperament. Their peaceful nature makes them an ideal choice for planted aquariums and carefully selected community setups, while their fascinating personalities and breeding behaviour ensure they are always a favourite among dwarf cichlid enthusiasts.

Aquarium Setup

PAP Blue Rams thrive in mature, well-maintained aquariums with warm, stable water conditions. A fine sand substrate, driftwood, caves, smooth rocks, and dense planting will help them feel secure while encouraging their natural behaviour. Gentle water movement and excellent filtration are recommended.

Consistently warm, clean water is essential for maintaining their vibrant colours and long-term health.

Feeding

PAP Blue Rams are omnivores and enjoy a varied diet. Feed a high-quality micro pellet or granule as their staple food, supplemented with frozen or live foods such as bloodworms, baby brine shrimp, daphnia, blackworms, and mosquito larvae. A varied diet will maximise colour, encourage breeding, and maintain peak condition.

Why We Like This Fish

• Premium PAP strain with exceptional colour and quality
• Brilliant electric blue colouration with vibrant yellow highlights
• Peaceful and perfect for planted community aquariums
• Intelligent, interactive, and full of personality
• Readily forms breeding pairs in the home aquarium

Recommended Tank Parameters

• Temperature: 27–30°C
• pH: 5.5–7.0
• GH: Soft to moderately soft water
• Minimum Aquarium Size: 75 litres for a pair

Care Information

• Diet: Omnivore – accepts quality pellets, frozen, live, and prepared foods.
• Temperament: Peaceful.
• Social Behaviour: Best kept as a bonded pair or with other peaceful community fish. Pairs may become territorial when breeding.
• Origin: Selectively bred PAP strain.
• Maximum Size: Approximately 5–7 cm.
• Tank Level: Bottom to lower-middle.

Compatibility: Excellent with Cardinal Tetras, Rummy Nose Tetras, Corydoras, Otocinclus, Pencilfish, Hatchetfish, peaceful rasboras, and other small community fish. Avoid aggressive cichlids, fin-nipping species, and fish that prefer significantly cooler water.

Please note: Sample photos are for reference only. Colour, finnage, and markings may vary slightly as each fish is unique.