Bolivian Ram

Mikrogeophagus altispinosus

Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Cichlidae

📍 Bolivia & Brazil, South America

The Bolivian Ram is a hardier, more forgiving alternative to the German Blue Ram, tolerating a wider temperature range and less pristine water conditions without sacrificing its attractive appearance. It displays a golden-tan body, red-tipped fins, and an elongated dorsal fin with black and yellow banding. Pairs form monogamous bonds and exhibit fascinating parental care when breeding, making them rewarding to keep.

Size3.5"

Min Tank20g

School2+

peaceful

Zonebottom

Care Guide

Diet

Bolivian Rams are omnivores that thrive on a varied diet of high-quality micro pellets as a staple, supplemented 2-3 times weekly with live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia. They will also graze on small invertebrates and plant matter in the substrate. Feed small portions once daily, only what they can consume in 2-3 minutes.

Behavior

Bolivian Rams are peaceful, bottom-dwelling cichlids that spend much of their time sifting through substrate in search of food, displaying natural foraging behavior. They are moderately active and curious, often interacting with their environment and tank mates. Pairs form strong monogamous bonds and become territorial only during breeding; outside of breeding, they are excellent community fish.

Breeding

Breeding Bolivian Rams in captivity is moderately difficult but rewarding for dedicated hobbyists. They require slightly warmer water (26–28°C), plenty of flat surfaces or caves for spawning, and excellent water quality. Pairs exhibit fascinating parental care, protecting eggs and fry; remove other fish or provide dense vegetation to protect the brood from predation.

Tank Mates

Otocinclus

Peaceful algae eater with similar water requirements; occupies different tank zone

excellent

Neon Tetra

Small, peaceful schooling fish; avoid very small fry during Bolivian Ram breeding

good

Harlequin Rasbora

Peaceful mid-water schooler with compatible temperature and pH requirements

good

Amano Shrimp

Peaceful invertebrate; larger shrimp less likely to be predated upon

good

Common Diseases

Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)

Symptoms

White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, lethargy, rubbing against objects

Treatment

Raise temperature gradually to 28–30°C, perform daily 25% water changes, use aquarium salt (1 tsp per 5 gallons) or commercial ich treatment; treat for 7–10 days

Fin Rot

Symptoms

Frayed or deteriorating fin edges, discoloration, lethargy

Treatment

Improve water quality with frequent partial water changes, reduce stress, use antibacterial medication if severe; ensure ammonia and nitrite remain at 0 ppm

Bloat (Malawi Bloat)

Symptoms

Swollen abdomen, loss of appetite, difficulty swimming, pale coloration

Treatment

Perform large water change, fast the fish for 2–3 days, feed high-quality varied diet; use medicated food if available; ensure proper nutrition and water quality