Bolivian Ram - Mikrogeophagus altispinosus

Bolivian Ram (Mikrogeophagus altispinosus)

The Bolivian Ram is an attractive and relatively peaceful dwarf cichlid admired for its warm golden body colour, subtle blue iridescence and contrasting dark markings. More robust and adaptable than many other dwarf cichlids, it is an excellent choice for planted community aquariums when kept with calm, similarly sized tankmates. Mature pairs can become territorial when breeding, but outside spawning periods this species is generally manageable and rewarding to keep.

Common Name:
Bolivian Ram, Bolivian Butterfly Cichlid

Scientific Name (Latin):
Mikrogeophagus altispinosus

Maximum Size:
Approximately 8 cm

Water Type:
Freshwater

Origin / Natural Habitat:
The Bolivian Ram originates from freshwater habitats in Bolivia and surrounding areas of South America.

It is associated with slow-moving streams, shallow tributaries and floodplain environments containing sand, leaf litter, submerged roots and areas of dense vegetation.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24–28°C
pH Range: 6.0–7.5
Hardness: Soft to Moderate
Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
Nitrate: Kept low and stable

Temperament:
Peaceful to Semi-Aggressive

The Bolivian Ram is generally peaceful and works well in community aquariums with suitable tankmates.

Pairs can become territorial during spawning and may defend a chosen area of substrate or rockwork, so enough space and visual barriers should be provided.

Diet:
Omnivore

Offer a varied diet including quality dwarf cichlid pellets or granules, frozen or live brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworm and other suitably sized foods.

Small sinking foods are particularly useful, as Bolivian Rams spend much of their time feeding close to the substrate.

Minimum Tank Size:
Approximately 80 litres

A larger aquarium is recommended for pairs or mixed community setups, particularly where more than one territorial fish is present.

Behaviour & Activity:
The Bolivian Ram is an active but relatively calm cichlid that spends much of its time exploring the lower and middle areas of the aquarium.

It may sift through fine substrate while searching for food and often establishes preferred areas around plants, rocks or wood.

Provide open swimming space together with caves, driftwood, plants and shaded retreat areas.

Community Suitability:
Community Fish / Semi-Aggressive

The Bolivian Ram is well suited to peaceful community aquariums.

Suitable tankmates include peaceful tetras, rasboras, Corydoras, small catfish and other calm fish that tolerate similar water conditions.

Avoid highly aggressive cichlids, persistent fin-nippers and very boisterous tankmates.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Provide a mature aquarium with stable water chemistry and gentle to moderate filtration.

Fine sand or smooth substrate is recommended, as Bolivian Rams naturally forage close to the bottom.

Use plants, wood and rockwork to create visual barriers and separate territories.

Regular partial water changes help maintain low nitrate levels and stable conditions.

Pairs may become more defensive while breeding, so adequate space should be provided for other fish to move away from the spawning area.

A varied diet helps support strong colouration, healthy body condition and natural breeding behaviour.

Suitable for:
Beginner to Intermediate

Availability:
Regularly available

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.