Description
Bolivian Rams (Mikrogeophagus altispinosus), also known as the Bolivian Butterfly and Ruby Crown Cichlid, are a beautiful freshwater fish addition to any community tank. While they are part of the Cichlid family, Bolivian Rams are far more peaceful than other Cichlid species. They’re a peaceful tropical fish that can get along with others without any issues. These eye-catching fish have become quite the crowd-pleaser in the fish community. Not only are they easy to care for, but their unique personalities can add a touch of playfulness to your aquarium. Buy Live Fish online with Coburg Aquarium in Australia
Please Note: Livestock and Live Plants cannot be shipped to WA and TAS due to State Restrictions. All other states are OK.
Features of Bolivian Ram:
- Bolivian Rams are American Cichlids, endemic to parts of the Amazon River Basin
- Females Bolivian Rams are a bit smaller than males. Plus, males often have elongated filaments on their dorsal fins
- The typical Bolivian Ram size is around 8 cm in length when fully grown
- The average lifespan for a Bolivian Ram is about 4 years
Bolivian Rams: Care, Diet and Tank Mates
The Best Aquarium Size for Bolivian Rams:
The commonly recommended Bolivian Ram tank size is around 75L for a small group of these fish.
However, we recommend using a 120L tank. These fish love to swim and will fair better with plenty of room to explore.
You should definitely increase the tank size if you’re planning on keeping a larger community tank. While they are peaceful, every fish needs to have their own space.
After an Aquarium for your fish? Browse Aquarium Tank Selection here.
Bolivian Ram Tank Mate Compatibility:
Bolivian Rams are very peaceful fish. The only time they might show aggression is during breeding. Aside from other Bolivian Ram Cichlids, you can introduce other peaceful fish into the aquarium. The only thing you need to consider is size. Smaller peaceful fish might be viewed as food, so try to stick to similarly-sized fish.
Here are some good Bolivian Ram tank mates to consider:
Bolivian Ram Food :
Bolivian Rams are omnivores and will pretty much eat anything that you give them. In the wild, they will sift through the substrate for small organisms. They can also chow down on some plant material. Some good commercial food brands for this fish:
You can search more Bolivian Ram food in our High Quality Fish Foods collections.
Bolivian Ram Tank Setup:
Aquarium Filtration
A standard filtration system will do. You can use a canister system or a simple hang-on-back model. Whichever filtration method you choose, just make sure that it’s powerful enough to treat the tank efficiently. The fish are sensitive to high nitrate levels. In addition to frequent water changes, your filter will work to keep those levels low. You also need to make sure that the filter doesn’t create too much flow. Bolivian Ram Cichlids prefer light flow.
Here are some great brands to consider:
Aquarium Lighting
Don’t utilize a powerful light unless you have plenty of shading.
Aquatic Plants
Introduce live plants of varying sizes. Aquatic plants like Java Fern, Amazon Swords, Water Wisteria, and more are all great. They provide some shelter while also giving your fish a reprieve from light.
Aquarium Decorations
Introduce some rocks and driftwood into the mix as well. Like plants, driftwood is a good place to rest and hide. Meanwhile, smooth rocks will act as breeding grounds for these fish. Recommend creating some caves with rock is possible. Alternatively, you can invest in faux rock decor. Ideal Ornaments for your tank:
Aquarium Substrate
Sand and fine gravel are good ones for them. You can introduce some larger pebbles into the mix for variety too if you want.
A variety of Substrates are available at Coburg Aquarium.
