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Aquaria Now - The Bolivian Ram (Mikrogeophagus altispinosus)
Aquaria Now Home > Fish Profiles:
Bolivian Ram - Mikrogeophagus altispinosus (Haseman, 1911)
| Family |
Distribution |
Max. Size |
pH |
Temp. |
Breeding |
|
Cichlidae
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South America: Bolivia & Brazil
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3.5"
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Neutral
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72-82° F.
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Beginner
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| Diet |
Swim Range |
Temperment |
Sociability |
Min. Tank |
Availability |
|
Omnivorous
|
All Ranges
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Peaceful
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Pairs
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15 gallons
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Common
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No photo
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Notes
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The Bolivian Ram is an excellent dwarf Cichlid species for the small community aquarium. These fish are loved by their owners for the personality, beauty, and readiness to spawn. At an adult length of 3 - 3.5 inches, Bolivan Rams get slightly larger than the common Ram Cichlid (M. ramirezi).
The aquarium need not be large, but it should provide territories for each Ram in the tank. Using driftwood, rocks and plants will allow for the fish to stake out their own areas, and minimize bickering between males. Use a neutral pH and soft water.
Male Bolivian Rams are often more colorful than their female counterparts, as well as more territorial. They will also have more elongated dorsal (top) and anal (bottom rear) fins. These fish spawn easily after forming pairs, and usually start by clearing a spawning site on a flat rock, or by clearing the gravel away from the bottom to expose the glass beneath them. The female will lay eggs which take a couple of days to hatch. Fry may be fed newly-hatched brine shrimp before moving on to ground-up flake foods.
Bolivan Rams are omnivores and should be provided with a varied diet. Algae wafers, flake foods, cichlid pellets, shrimp pellets all make good choices, and blood worms make for a good treat.
Like most dwarf Cichlids, Bolivan Rams are nice little fish with excellent personalities, and are a pleasure to watch and keep.
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