{"product_id":"bolivian-ram-mikrogeophagus-altispinosus","title":"Bolivian Ram - Mikrogeophagus altispinosus","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBolivian Ram (Mikrogeophagus altispinosus)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBolivian Ram, Bolivian Butterfly Cichlid\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name (Latin):\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMikrogeophagus altispinosus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaximum Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eApproximately 8 cm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFreshwater\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin \/ Natural Habitat:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Bolivian Ram originates from freshwater habitats in Bolivia and surrounding areas of South America.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt is associated with slow-moving streams, shallow tributaries and floodplain environments containing sand, leaf litter, submerged roots and areas of dense vegetation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Parameters:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperature: 24–28°C\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003epH Range: 6.0–7.5\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHardness: Soft to Moderate\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAmmonia\/Nitrite: 0 ppm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNitrate: Kept low and stable\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePeaceful to Semi-Aggressive\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Bolivian Ram is generally peaceful and works well in community aquariums with suitable tankmates.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePairs can become territorial during spawning and may defend a chosen area of substrate or rockwork, so enough space and visual barriers should be provided.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOmnivore\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOffer a varied diet including quality dwarf cichlid pellets or granules, frozen or live brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworm and other suitably sized foods.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSmall sinking foods are particularly useful, as Bolivian Rams spend much of their time feeding close to the substrate.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eApproximately 80 litres\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA larger aquarium is recommended for pairs or mixed community setups, particularly where more than one territorial fish is present.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBehaviour \u0026amp; Activity:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Bolivian Ram is an active but relatively calm cichlid that spends much of its time exploring the lower and middle areas of the aquarium.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt may sift through fine substrate while searching for food and often establishes preferred areas around plants, rocks or wood.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProvide open swimming space together with caves, driftwood, plants and shaded retreat areas.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommunity Suitability:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommunity Fish \/ Semi-Aggressive\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Bolivian Ram is well suited to peaceful community aquariums.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSuitable tankmates include peaceful tetras, rasboras, Corydoras, small catfish and other calm fish that tolerate similar water conditions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvoid highly aggressive cichlids, persistent fin-nippers and very boisterous tankmates.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecial Requirements or Care Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProvide a mature aquarium with stable water chemistry and gentle to moderate filtration.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFine sand or smooth substrate is recommended, as Bolivian Rams naturally forage close to the bottom.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUse plants, wood and rockwork to create visual barriers and separate territories.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRegular partial water changes help maintain low nitrate levels and stable conditions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePairs may become more defensive while breeding, so adequate space should be provided for other fish to move away from the spawning area.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA varied diet helps support strong colouration, healthy body condition and natural breeding behaviour.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSuitable for:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBeginner to Intermediate\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailability:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRegularly available\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAll 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.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Aqua Group","offers":[{"title":"Small","offer_id":47412893319341,"sku":"AG-104679","price":4.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium","offer_id":47412893352109,"sku":"AG-104680","price":5.45,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large","offer_id":47412893384877,"sku":"AG-104681","price":6.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0543\/0391\/6205\/files\/BolivianRam-Mikrogeophagusaltispinosus.jpg?v=1788566844","url":"https:\/\/aquagroup.co.uk\/products\/bolivian-ram-mikrogeophagus-altispinosus","provider":"Aqua Group","version":"1.0","type":"link"}