Bolivian Ram care guide
Bolivian Ram (Mikrogeophagus altispinosus) — minimum tank 80 L, temperature 22-27 °C, pH 6-7.5. Peaceful bottom-water species.
Overview
The Bolivian Ram (Mikrogeophagus altispinosus) is a hardier relative of the German Blue Ram with muted gold-yellow and red colouration and a notably tall dorsal fin. It tolerates a wider range of water parameters, which makes it an accessible dwarf cichlid for beginners.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Mikrogeophagus
- Scientific name: Mikrogeophagus altispinosus
- Common synonyms: Bolivian Butterfly Cichlid
Habitat
Endemic to the southern Amazon basin in the Mamoré and lower Guaporé drainages of Bolivia and Brazil. Natural waters are soft to moderately hard, near neutral pH (6.3-7.6), with sandy substrate, leaf litter, bogwood and dense plant cover.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 80 L (21.1 US gal)
- Adult size: 6-8 cm
- Temperature: 22-27 °C (72-81 °F)
- pH: 6-7.5
- GH: 3-12 °dGH
- Water flow: low
- Lifespan: 3-5 years
Diet
An omnivore that sifts the substrate for plant matter and small invertebrates and also feeds in mid-water. Provide a quality cichlid pellet supplemented with frozen and live foods such as bloodworms, daphnia and brine shrimp.
Compatibility
Peaceful by cichlid standards and suitable for planted community tanks. Compatible with Neon Tetra, Harlequin Rasbora, Corydoras and Bristlenose Pleco. Avoid keeping with other dwarf cichlids in undersized tanks where territorial conflict will arise.
Breeding
A biparental open-spawner. Females deposit 100-200 ovoid eggs on a cleaned surface; eggs hatch in approximately 60 hours at 27 °C and fry become free-swimming after about seven days. Parents lead the fry in a dense foraging school.