All fish / Cichlidae

Bolivian Ram

Mikrogeophagus altispinosus

Also known as bolivian ram cichlid, bolivian butterfly cichlid, ruby crown cichlid, bolivian butterfly, microgeophagus altispinosus, papiliochromis altispinosus, ปลาแรมโบลิเวีย, アルティスピノーサ, ram bolivia, 玻利维亚凤凰, 荷兰凤凰

A small South American dwarf cichlid with a golden to grey body, a dark central blotch, red edges to the fins and elongated rays on the dorsal and tail fins. It is hardier and more tolerant of varied water than its cousin the German blue ram, which makes it a popular choice for community tanks with a sandy bottom.

Care at a glance

Care level

Easy

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

7 cm

Temperature

22 to 27 °C

pH

6 to 7.5

Smallest tank

80 litres

Keep as

Pair, or a group of 6 or more in a large tank

Diet

Omnivore: quality sinking pellets and flakes, frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp and daphnia

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

4 to 6 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Bolivia and Brazil (Mamoré and Guaporé river basins)

Breeding

Pairs lay eggs on a flat stone or in a pit dug in the sand, and both parents guard the eggs and wrigglers. Breeding in captivity is fairly easy once a compatible pair has formed in soft, slightly acidic water.

Good to know

Bolivian rams become territorial when spawning, so give enough floor space and cover. Do not confuse it with the German blue ram (Mikrogeophagus ramirezi), which needs warmer water and is more delicate.