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Bolivian Ram

By The Aquarium Calculators Editorial Team ·

Mikrogeophagus altispinosus

Complete Bolivian Ram care guide covering omnivore diet requirements, peaceful temperament, minimum 20 Gallons tank setup, and compatible freshwater tankmates. Difficulty: Easy.

Bolivian Ram

Quick Answer

Bolivian Ram (Mikrogeophagus altispinosus) is a captivating and highly sought-after freshwater species. It requires a minimum 20 Gallons aquarium with a pH of 6.0 - 7.2 and temperature range of 26-30°C. This omnivore occupies the bottom zone and makes an excellent addition to community setups.

Intro

Bolivian Ram (Mikrogeophagus altispinosus) is a captivating and highly sought-after freshwater species. Known for their peaceful nature and distinct appearance, they occupy the bottom levels of the aquarium and bring dynamic energy to any setup.

Setup

Bolivian Ram requires a stable, well-filtered aquarium of at least 20 gallons. They thrive best with moderate water movement and a reliable heater to maintain temperatures around 26-30°C. Ensure pH levels remain consistent between 6.0 - 7.2 to prevent stress and support long-term health.

Feeding

As a omnivore, the Bolivian Ram is not a picky eater. They should be fed a high-quality base of flakes, sinking pellets, or wafers. Periodic supplementation with frozen or live foods, such as bloodworms or brine shrimp, will boost their health and colors.

Compatibility

Bolivian Ram has a peaceful temperament. They are compatible with other fish of similar sizes and temperaments. Avoid placing them with aggressive species or tankmates they are listed as incompatible with, such as: african cichlid, oscar.

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Tank Position
Bottom
Water Temp
26-30°C
Adult Size
See profile
Water pH
6.0 - 7.2

Species Characteristics

Adult Size
Lifespan
Growth Rate
moderate
Tank Compatibility
Community compatible
Indoor Aquarium
Yes

Water Parameters

Water Temperature
Humidity
Water pH

Tank Lighting

Tank Lighting
Standard lighting
Light Hours
N/A
Intensity
moderate

Feeding & Diet

Diet Type
Diet: Omnivore
Feeding Schedule
N/A
Live Food Options
N/A

Continue Learning

Recommended Tools

Fish Compatibility Calculator fish compatibility

Health & Disease

Ich (White Spot Disease) common disease • all fish

Related Guides

Understanding pH in Aquariums water parameters • ph

Similar Species

African Red Eyed Tetra Care Guide: Schooling & Tank Size semanticSimilarity Apistogramma Care Guide: Temperament & Diet semanticSimilarity Banded Corydoras Care Guide: Substrate & Diet semanticSimilarity

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Bolivian Rams should be kept together?
Keep a single individual, a verified male-female mated pair, or a group of 4-6 in a tank of at least 40 gallons (150 liters) with a footprint of 36x15 inches (90x38 cm). Bolivian rams (Mikrogeophagus altispinosus) are far less aggressive than German blue rams. Two males in under 30 gallons (113 liters) may spar but rarely cause injury. For breeding, maintain a single pair per 20 gallons. Provide at least 4 flat stones or clay caves as potential spawning sites. Keep with peaceful community fish; avoid large cichlids.
What are the exact water parameters for Bolivian Rams?
Target pH 6.5 - 7.5, General Hardness 4 - 12 dGH, Carbonate Hardness 3 - 8 dKH, Total Dissolved Solids 120 - 300 ppm, Electrical Conductivity 240 - 600 μS/cm, and temperature 74°F - 80°F (23°C - 27°C). They are hardier than German blue rams but still require clean, stable water. Maintain nitrates below 15 ppm with weekly 25% water changes. Use a sand substrate (1-2 inches depth) as they sift through it. Add driftwood and caves. Avoid high temperatures above 82°F (28°C), which cause oxygen depletion.
What is the dietary and medication protocol for Bolivian Rams?
They are bottom-dwelling omnivores requiring 40% protein, 10% fat, 50% plant matter. Feed sinking micro-pellets, cichlid granules, frozen daphnia, brine shrimp, and bloodworms. Offer blanched zucchini and spirulina wafers twice weekly. They accept live blackworms eagerly. Medication alert: Tolerate copper (0.15 mg/L) but sensitive to formalin; use half-dose. Praziquantel is safe for internal parasites. Quarantine with metronidazole (5 mg/L) for 7 days to treat hexamita. Avoid salt baths (>3 ppt). They are susceptible to hole-in-the-head; maintain pristine water.
How to breed Bolivian Rams in captivity?
Condition a bonded pair with live blackworms and bloodworms for 2 weeks. Raise temperature to 80°F (27°C) and perform 30% water change with slightly cooler (75°F/24°C) soft water (dGH 4). Provide a flat stone or clay saucer; the pair cleans the site. The female lays 100-300 eggs; both parents guard. Eggs hatch in 60-72 hours at 80°F (27°C). Wrigglers are moved to pits; become free-swimming in 5-7 days. Feed microworms and baby brine shrimp 4 times daily. Remove parents after fry are free-swimming if aggression occurs.

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