Bolivian Ram
Mikrogeophagus altispinosus
Min Tank Size
75L
Adult Size
8 cm
Lifespan
4 years
About
Native to the lowland rivers and floodplains of Bolivia and Brazil, the Bolivian Ram has built a solid reputation as one of the most accessible dwarf cichlids in the hobby. Less flashy than its cousin the German Blue Ram, it makes up for that with genuine hardiness and a forgiving temperament toward water parameters.
The body is stocky and golden-tan, accented with a dark lateral spot, reddish-orange fin edging, and subtle blue iridescence that really pops under good lighting. Males develop extended dorsal fin rays and grow slightly larger than females.
They thrive in a well-planted setup with sandy substrate, driftwood, and plenty of hiding spots. Unlike the German Blue Ram, they don't demand tropical temperatures and actually do fine anywhere from 22 to 28 degrees Celsius, which opens them up to tanks that run a bit cooler. Soft to moderately hard water works, though extremes in either direction should be avoided. pH anywhere from 6.0 to 7.5 is acceptable.
Feeding is straightforward. They'll readily accept high-quality pellets and flakes but genuinely benefit from regular offerings of frozen or live foods like bloodworms, daphnia, and brine shrimp. This enrichment also tends to bring out their best coloration.
Bolivian Rams spend a lot of time in the lower and middle portions of the tank, picking through the substrate and investigating every corner. They're curious fish with real personality. Pairs often form naturally if you start with a small group and let them choose partners. Once bonded, they'll claim a territory and may spawn on flat stones or broad leaves. Watching a pair defend and fan eggs is one of the more rewarding behaviors you'll see in a community tank.
Water Parameters
Temperature
°CpH
GH
dGHKH
dKHSwimming Level
Flow Preference
Keeping multiple Bolivian Ram together
Bolivian Ram is mildly territorial. Small groups can work in spacious tanks with broken sightlines, but expect occasional squabbles.
Compatibility
Bolivian Rams pair well with mid-water schooling fish that stay out of their territory, such as rummy nose tetras, ember tetras, harlequin rasboras, and similar community species. Peaceful bottom dwellers like corydoras are generally fine as long as the tank is large enough that territories don't overlap constantly. Avoid housing them with aggressive or nippy species like tiger barbs, and definitely skip the dwarf shrimp unless you're comfortable with losses. Amano shrimp survive more often than neocaridina but aren't fully safe either. Other dwarf cichlids can work in larger tanks with careful planning, but two pairs of Bolivian Rams in a 75-liter setup will likely end in territorial conflict.
Commonly kept with
Species this one is most often paired withCommonly tried but avoid
Often paired, but shouldn't beCare Notes
The most common beginner mistake is keeping them in water that's too hard and alkaline long-term, which dulls their color and shortens their lifespan. Another frequent issue is underfeeding variety. Dry food only isn't enough for them to thrive. Frozen bloodworms or similar protein sources a few times a week make a visible difference. Sandy substrate is important since they like to sift and dig, and sharp gravel can stress them over time. Don't skip the hiding spots, even confident individuals need somewhere to retreat when the tank dynamic shifts.
Behavior & Aggression
Bolivian Rams are generally peaceful toward unrelated species but do show territorial behavior, especially during spawning. A bonded pair will stake out a corner or a specific flat surface and push back against fish that wander too close. This rarely escalates to serious injury for most tankmates, but smaller or more timid fish can get stressed. Male-to-male aggression is a real issue in smaller tanks. Two males in close quarters without enough territory to divide will clash repeatedly. Providing visual breaks with plants and hardscape reduces conflict significantly.
Things to Know
- Pairs can become territorial when breeding, may harass tankmates
- Will eat small shrimp, including dwarf shrimp like neocaridina
- Males can fight if space is insufficient, keep one pair per tank
- Requires a sand substrate for natural sifting behavior.
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