Bolivian ram
Mikrogeophagus altispinosus
FishFreshwater
- Care level
- Easy
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Recommended tank
- 100 L
- Maximum size
- 8 cm
- Temperature
- 23–27 °C
- pH
- 6.5–7.5
- Diet
- Omnivore
Care at a glance
The Bolivian ram is the sturdy alternative to the common ram cichlid: a little larger, more restrained in colour with its grey-yellow body and red-edged fins, but far easier to keep. It does not need warm, soft water and fits into a standard community tank.
It is a bottom-oriented cichlid that sifts sand through its gills in search of food — so give it fine sand and make sure food reaches the bottom. It is peaceful towards other species, but a pair will fiercely defend a patch of substrate while breeding. Anyone who likes the ram cichlid but cannot meet its demands is well served here.
Related species
Keep Bolivian ram in the BlubHub app
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Values are mainstream hobbyist guidance, not gospel — always watch what your own animals need.