Common Name: Bolivian Ram Cichlid
Scientific Name: Mikrogeophagus altispinosus
Other Names: Bolivian Butterfly Cichlid, Ruby Crown Cichlid
The Bolivian Ram Cichlid is a peaceful and colorful dwarf cichlid that is popular among aquarists for its hardiness, subtle yet striking coloration, and interesting behavior. Unlike its more delicate relative, the German Blue Ram (Mikrogeophagus ramirezi), the Bolivian Ram is easier to care for and more adaptable to a variety of water conditions. It has an elongated oval-shaped body, with a combination of gold, orange, and blue hues, a black lateral stripe, and elongated dorsal and anal fins.
Habitat and Distribution: Mikrogeophagus altispinosus is native to slow-moving rivers, lagoons, and floodplains in the Amazon Basin, specifically in Bolivia and Brazil, including the Mamoré and Guaporé River systems. These environments feature soft, acidic to neutral water, sandy or muddy substrates, and abundant submerged plant life.
Size and Lifespan: Bolivian Rams are relatively small, growing to about 3-4 inches (7.5-10 cm) in length. With proper care, they can live 5-7 years, making them one of the longer-lived dwarf cichlids.
Diet and Behavior: Bolivian Rams are omnivorous and prefer a varied diet that includes:
- High-quality pellets or flakes formulated for cichlids
- Live or frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, and tubifex worms
- Blanched vegetables such as spinach and zucchini
- Occasional small crustaceans or insect larvae
These cichlids are peaceful, social fish that do well in community tanks. They are bottom to mid-level dwellers and will often sift through the substrate in search of food, similar to geophagus species. They do best when kept in pairs or small groups, as they can form strong pair bonds.
Breeding and Reproduction: Bolivian Rams are biparental substrate spawners, meaning they lay eggs on a flat surface like a rock, broad leaf, or directly on the substrate. To encourage breeding:
- Provide a secluded area with flat rocks or broad leaves
- Maintain soft, slightly acidic water (pH 6.0-7.0)
- Keep them in pairs that have formed naturally, as forced pairings may not be successful
Once the female lays 100-200 eggs, both parents guard the eggs and newly hatched fry, which become free-swimming after about 5-7 days. Fry can be fed infusoria or finely crushed flakes until they are large enough for baby brine shrimp.
Aquarium Care and Tank Requirements:
Bolivian Rams require a minimum of 30 gallons for a pair, while a 40-gallon tank or larger is ideal for a small group. The best tank setup includes:
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Substrate: Soft sand or fine gravel for natural foraging behavior
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Decor: Driftwood, caves, and broad-leaved plants like Amazon swords or Anubias for hiding spots
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Filtration: Moderate filtration with gentle water flow to replicate their natural habitat
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Water Movement: Mild to moderate flow
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Lighting: Soft to moderate lighting to mimic their natural environment
Ideal Tank Mates: Bolivian Rams are peaceful and do well in community tanks with similarly sized, non-aggressive species. Suitable tank mates include:
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Small peaceful tetras (such as Rummynose, Ember, or Cardinal Tetras)
- Corydoras catfish
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Small plecos (such as Clown or Bristlenose Plecos)
- Dwarf Gouramis
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Apistogramma species (if space allows)
Avoid overly aggressive species such as large cichlids, fin-nipping fish, or fast-moving fish that may stress them.
Difficulty Level: Beginner to Intermediate. Bolivian Rams are hardier than German Blue Rams and tolerate a wider range of water parameters, making them a great choice for aquarists looking for a peaceful, colorful cichlid.
Water Parameters:
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Temperature: 74-82°F (23-28°C)
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pH: 6.0-7.5
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General Hardness (GH): 4-12 dGH
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Carbonate Hardness (KH): 3-8 dKH
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Ammonia: 0 ppm
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Nitrite: 0 ppm
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Nitrate: <20 ppm (requires regular water changes)
Additional Information:
- Bolivian Rams display interesting social behaviors, often performing "head-standing" movements as they sift through the substrate.
- They are less sensitive to water conditions than German Blue Rams, making them an excellent choice for beginner cichlid keepers.
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Fun fact: Unlike many cichlids, both parents actively protect their eggs and fry, making them a great example of parental care in the aquarium.
Bolivian Rams are colorful, peaceful, and relatively easy to care for, making them an excellent choice for community and planted tanks. Their hardiness and adaptability make them a fantastic introduction to keeping dwarf cichlids.
