As with any dwarf cichlid, tank footprint really impacts the number that can be accommodated
A single ram could look stunning in that Dennerle 55, unfortunately 2 rams seldom live in harmony for any length of time though it’s not unprecedented
Green Pekoe Pond - 40 litres
acted as a temporary home to a bonded pair of visiting rams that proceeded to spawn while there
Both fish look to be thriving
If you find a shop with a group of young rams and spot a pair that are “in the family way”, purchase those two and harmony may hold, just monitor to ensure that both fish remain active and eating ... it’s easy to miss the scuffle that breaks the partnership, instead you’ll just see one fish less frequently (if tank is heavily planted) with dimmed colors
If one fish become less active, and no longer rushes out for food, then it’s time to intervene (perfect excuse for that second tank
)
Several months back I brought home a group of 7 non-thriving electric blue rams from a local shop, though tank is only 60cm x 45cm (53cm high), they’ve settled in well and finally began growing
I did lose the smallest, and oddly, they always appear as a group of 4-5 with one “loner”
I don’t expect they’ll ever spawn (looks like there may be 2 females in the group though with “electric blue” it’s difficult to distinguish a submissive male vs female) as they were stunted for so long, but they’re pretty fish and entertaining to watch
(they did decide on Shrimp Hunting as an interesting group activity
)