Bolivian Ram
Also known as: Mikrogeophagus altispinosus
The Bolivian Ram is a dwarf cichlid native to slow-moving, shaded waters of South America. The Bolivian Ram originates from Bolivia and Brazil, specifically in the upper Paraguay River basin and tributaries of the Amazon River system, reaches Adult size: 6-8 cm in captivity, typically lives 4-6 years, and is kept at 24-28°C (75-82°F). Individual fish vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Species at a glance
- Origin
- Bolivia and Brazil, specifically in the upper Paraguay River basin and tributaries of the Amazon River system
- Adult size
- Adult size: 6-8 cm (2.4-3.1 inches)
- Life span
- 4-6 years
- Temperament
- Peaceful and shy, suitable for community tanks with non-aggressive species
- Tank size
- Minimum 75 liters (20 gallons) for a pair, 115 liters (30 gallons) recommended for a small group
- Water temp
- 24-28°C (75-82°F)
- pH range
- 6.0-7.5
- Diet
- Omnivorous; accepts high-quality flakes, pellets, frozen foods (brine shrimp, bloodworms), and live foods; supplement with vegetable matter like blanched spinach or spirulina
- Other names
- Mikrogeophagus altispinosus
About the Bolivian Ram
The Bolivian Ram is a dwarf cichlid native to slow-moving, shaded waters of South America. It exhibits subtle iridescent blue and gold coloration, especially in males during breeding. Unlike its more aggressive relatives, it is notably peaceful and thrives in well-planted tanks with soft, acidic water. Males develop elongated dorsal and ventral fins, while females are rounder and display a pinkish belly when gravid.
Lifespan and health
With optimal care, Bolivian Rams typically live 4-6 years, though exceptional specimens may reach 7 years in pristine conditions; longevity is heavily influenced by water quality, diet consistency, and stress levels. Common health issues include ich (white spot disease) from poor water quality or temperature fluctuations, bacterial infections from overcrowding or inadequate filtration, and intestinal parasites from contaminated live foods; preventative measures include quarantining new fish, maintaining nitrate levels below 20 ppm, and avoiding overfeeding to reduce waste buildup.
Overview
The Bolivian Ram is a dwarf cichlid native to slow-moving, shaded waters of South America. It exhibits subtle iridescent blue and gold coloration, especially in males during breeding. Unlike its more aggressive relatives, it is notably peaceful and thrives in well-planted tanks with soft, acidic water. Males develop elongated dorsal and ventral fins, while females are rounder and display a pinkish belly when gravid.
Care and tank setup
Tank setup should include a soft sandy substrate, driftwood, and dense planting with species like Amazon swords or Java fern to provide hiding spots; open swimming areas are also necessary. Use a gentle filter to avoid strong currents, as Bolivian Rams prefer calm water. Maintain stable parameters with weekly 25% water changes; avoid sudden shifts in pH or temperature. Feed 2-3 times daily with small portions they can consume within 2-3 minutes, rotating between protein-rich and vegetable-based foods to ensure balanced nutrition. Ideal tankmates include peaceful tetras, Corydoras catfish, and small rasboras; avoid aggressive or fin-nipping species like tiger barbs or large cichlids.
Related breeds
Breed information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Bolivian Ram, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.