Bolivian Rams ML

Bolivian Ram (Mikrogeophagus altispinosus) - Male/Female

A peaceful and beautiful dwarf cichlid for your community aquarium!

The Bolivian Ram, also known as the Bolivian Butterfly Cichlid, is a charming and hardy freshwater fish native to the Amazon River basin. These males and females are an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced aquarists, offering a mix of vibrant colors, peaceful temperament, and fascinating behavior.

Bolivian Rams are a popular choice due to their striking, yet subtle, beauty. They typically feature a yellow to olive-green body with faint vertical stripes, a bold black band running through their eye, and a prominent dark spot on their side. Their fins are often edged with a beautiful reddish-pink hue, and their bodies shimmer with iridescent blue spots, making them a captivating sight as they sift through the substrate.

Unlike some of their more aggressive cichlid cousins, Bolivian Rams are known for their relatively peaceful and shy nature. They are an ideal centerpiece for a community tank with other similarly sized and non-aggressive fish. They spend most of their time in the lower levels of the tank, where they exhibit their natural foraging behavior by sifting through the substrate for food.

Care and Aquarium Requirements:

• Tank Size: A minimum tank size of 20 gallons is recommended for a pair, with a larger tank required for a group to allow them to establish territories.

   

• Water Conditions: They are quite adaptable and can tolerate a wider range of water parameters than other Rams. They thrive in soft to moderately hard, slightly acidic water with a pH range of 6.0-7.5 and a temperature of 22-27°C.

   

• Diet: As omnivores, they enjoy a varied diet. Provide them with high-quality sinking pellets or flakes, and supplement with live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia to bring out their best colors.

   

• Tank Setup: Replicate their natural sandy habitat with a fine sand substrate, which they will enjoy sifting through. Provide plenty of hiding places with driftwood, rocks, and dense plant cover to make them feel secure.

   

• Community: They are best kept in a pair or a small group. Good tank mates include small tetras, Corydoras catfish, and other peaceful community fish.

   

Add a touch of the Amazon to your home aquarium with the beautiful and engaging Bolivian Ram. These fish are not just pets; they're a living piece of art that will bring endless enjoyment.