Description
🐟 Bolivian Ram Cichlid
📌 Basic Info
Scientific Name: Mikrogeophagus altispinosus
Family: Cichlidae
Origin: Bolivia & Brazil (Amazon Basin)
Size: 3 – 3.5 inches (7 – 9 cm)
Lifespan: 4 – 6 years
Tank Zone: Mid to Bottom
🌊 Water Parameters
TDS: 100 – 200 ppm
pH: 6.0 – 7.5
Temperature: 24 – 28°C (75 – 82°F)
Hardness: 4 – 10 dGH
🐟 Characteristics
More hardy and forgiving than German Blue Rams.
Body is silver-grey with yellow, red, and black markings.
Peaceful, calm, and slow-moving – perfect for community tanks.
Less colorful than German Blue Ram, but easier to care for.
🍽️ Food
Type: Omnivorous
Diet: High-quality micro pellets, flakes, bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, chopped vegetables.
Feeding: 2 small meals per day.
🛠️ Maintenance
Tank Size: Minimum 30 gallons for a pair.
Filtration: Moderate flow, clean water is important.
Decor: Sand substrate, plants, driftwood, caves.
Water Change: 25–30% weekly.
👥 Social Behavior
Minimum Group Size: Best kept as a pair or small group.
Tank Mates: Peaceful community fish like tetras, rasboras, corydoras, dwarf gouramis.
Avoid: Large/aggressive cichlids, fin-nippers.
✅ Do’s
Keep in a planted or natural-style aquarium.
Maintain stable, clean water.
Provide hiding spots and open swimming areas.
❌ Don’ts
Don’t overcrowd – they need calm surroundings.
Don’t mix with aggressive or large predatory fish.
Don’t expose to sudden temperature or pH swings.
⭐ Quick Tips
Bolivian Rams are hardier and longer-lived than German Blue Rams.
Great choice for beginners in cichlids.
Peaceful, attractive centerpiece for community aquariums
