Bolivian Ram
Mikrogeophagus altispinosus
Also known as Butterfly Ram, Bolivian Butterfly Cichlid
Edited by Ivan F. · Reviewed
Beginner verdict
A calm, colorful dwarf cichlid that sifts sand for food and suits a larger planted community. It is a poor competitor that needs very clean water, so it is not a true beginner fish despite how it is often sold. Schooling tetras help it feel secure.
Care at a glance
- Min tank size
- 48 US gal
- Footprint
- 35 x 18 in
- Temperature
- 75–82 °F
- pH
- 6–7.5
- Hardness
- 1–10 dGH
- Swim zone
- Bottom
- Min group
- 2 or more
- Lifespan
- About 4 years
Bolivian Ram tank mates and swim zone
Bottom
Spends most of its time in this part of the tank.
Paracheirodon axelrodi
Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi
Hemigrammus erythrozonus
Trigonostigma heteromorpha
Trigonostigma espei
Puntius titteya
Paracheirodon innesi
Their temperature ranges barely overlap, so you will have little room for error.
Hyphessobrycon amandae
Bolivian Ram is much larger than Ember Tetra and may frighten or even eat it.
Boraras brigittae
Bolivian Ram is much larger than Chili Rasbora and may frighten or even eat it.
Danio rerio
Their temperature ranges barely overlap, so you will have little room for error.
Tanichthys albonubes
Their temperature ranges do not overlap, so one of them would always be stressed.
Pseudomugil furcatus
One needs much harder water than the other can tolerate.
Carassius auratus
Goldfish suit cooler water and are not suited to tropical tanks, so Bolivian Ram is a poor match.
Bolivian Ram feeding and care
How to feed
- Feed sinking pellets and granules that land on the sand.
- Add frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp and daphnia for condition.
- Feed small portions you can see finished within a couple of minutes, because overfeeding fouls the water fast.
Telling males from females
Adult males grow larger, have slightly longer fins and are more intensely colored. Females often show a pink belly.
Bolivian Ram care mistakes to avoid
- Plan for a pair, and read up on sexing before you buy so you do not end up with two rival males.
- Use soft sand. It feeds by sifting the substrate through its gills.
- Keep water very clean, because it needs pristine conditions to stay healthy.
- Choose calm, schooling tank mates, which actually help it feel safe.
- Check your tank before you buy. Our sourced minimum is 48 US gallons.
Bolivian Ram tank setup
For bigger species and larger schools. Check your stand and floor can carry the weight.
TankAt least 48 US gal (182 L), 90 x 45 cm
The smallest tank our sources give for Bolivian Ram. We list only tanks that hold this volume (allowing 10%, so a standard size counts) and have at least this much floor.
Picks for the US are still being checked. The options below are for Spain, and we have not confirmed that they are sold in the US.
Eheim clearTank 200 Spain
Why we chose these (Best 40-Gallon Breeder Tank (or a 55)). Nobody here has used or tested them.
Starter kitA kit with the tank, filter and light in one box
We list only kits whose tank fits Bolivian Ram, up to twice its minimum volume. A kit whose heater has a fixed setting shows only when that setting is inside Bolivian Ram's temperature range.
None of the kits we recommend fits Bolivian Ram yet. See Best Aquarium Starter Kit: What to Look For for what to look for.
FilterLarge hang-on-back or canister filter
Handles the extra waste. Canisters also hold more media and run quietly.
Seachem Tidal 75 Power Filter US
Marineland Penguin PRO 275 Power Filter US
Tetra EX 700 Plus External Filter Spain
Seachem Tidal 75 Power Filter Spain
Why we chose these (Best Filter for a 40 to 55-Gallon Tank). Nobody here has used or tested them.
HeaterKeep it at 75–82 °F (24–28 °C)
Adjustable heater, about 5 W per gallon: 200 W at 40 gallons, about 275 W at 55. Enough power for a large volume. Two smaller heaters that add up to that figure add a safety margin.
Aqueon Pro Adjustable Heater 200 W US
Aqueon Pro Adjustable Heater 300 W US
Tetra HT 200 Electronic Heater Spain
Eheim Thermocontrol e 150 Heater Spain
Why we chose these (Best Heater for a 40 to 55-Gallon Tank). Nobody here has used or tested them.
Water conditionerDechlorinator such as Seachem Prime
Tap water contains chlorine or chloramine that harms fish.
Seachem Prime US
Fritz Complete Water Conditioner US
API Betta Water Conditioner US
sera aquatan Spain
Tetra AquaSafe Spain
Sold at Kiwoko · Sold at Tiendanimal · Sold at zooplus.es · Maker's details
Why we chose these (Best Water Conditioner for Betta Fish). Nobody here has used or tested them.
Test kitLiquid kit such as API Freshwater Master
Tracks ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and pH while the tank cycles.
API Freshwater Master Test Kit US
API General & Carbonate Hardness Test Kit US
See it at The Shrimp Farm (a retailer; affiliate link) · Sold at Bulk Reef Supply · Maker's details
sera aqua-test box (Cl) Spain
JBL PROAQUATEST COMBISET Plus NH4 Spain
Why we chose these (Best Test Kit for a Freshwater Aquarium). Nobody here has used or tested them.
SubstrateNeeds a soft, sandy substrate for browsing; gravel or pebbles can inhibit feeding and damage the gills.
We are still choosing products for this.
Hiding places and decorWood roots and branches that form shady spots and caves, plus a flat rock or two for spawning.
We are still choosing products for this.
PlantsSafe with live plants
Cycle the tank before adding animals. See our guide on how to cycle a fish tank.
Where to buy Bolivian Ram
We have not found a store that sells Bolivian Ram under its scientific name yet. We add stores as we confirm them.
Live animals and plants travel by courier. Check the store's live-arrival guarantee, and only buy once your tank has cycled (see how to cycle a fish tank).
Some US states restrict certain species. Check our US state aquarium rules table and your state's own rules before you buy.
Bolivian Ram FAQ
What size tank do Bolivian Rams need?
Our sourced minimum is 48 US gallons (182 liters), with a footprint of 90 x 45 cm. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable.
How many Bolivian Rams should I keep?
A pair works well. Add more only if the tank is large enough for each fish to claim its own space.
What can live with Bolivian Rams?
Good matches on our list include Cardinal Tetra, Black Neon Tetra and Glowlight Tetra. Avoid White Cloud Mountain Minnow and Endler's Livebearer.
How long do Bolivian Rams live?
Care guides report about 4 years. Stable water and a good diet make the biggest difference.
What is the difference between a Bolivian and a German blue ram?
Bolivian rams are larger, less brightly colored, and want cooler water. They are usually considered hardier than German blue rams.
Bolivian Ram facts and sources
- Family
- Cichlidae
- Native to
- Mamoré and Guaporé rivers, Bolivia and Brazil
- Adult size
- 3.1 in (8 cm)
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Social needs
- Harem/Pairs
- Diet
- Omnivore
- Water flow
- Gentle
- Substrate
- Fine Sand Required
- Live plants
- Yes - Loves Plants
- Shrimp
- Will Eat Shrimp
- Fin nipping
- None
- Vulnerable to nippers
- Yes
- Breeding
- Moderate
Sources
- Seriously Fish: Tank size, water ranges and behavior
- FishBase: Cross-check of water ranges and size
Lifespans are approximate and come from aquarium care guides, because these databases rarely publish them.
Where sources differ, we show the Seriously Fish aquarium figures.
Spotted something wrong? Report a parameter correction. For a sick fish, see our veterinary disclaimer.