Bolivian Ram
Mikrogeophagus altispinosus
Family: Cichlidae • Origin: South America
The Bolivian Ram is the hardy alternative to the German Blue Ram. Less colorful but far more forgiving of water conditions.
Min Tank
20 gal
Max Size
3.5"
Temperature
72-79°F
pH
6-7.5
Lifespan
5 years
School Size
Solo OK
Swim Level
bottom
Hardness
3-15 dGH
peacefulbeginneromnivore
Care Tips
- • Much hardier than German Blue Ram
- • Tolerates wider temperature range
- • Great beginner dwarf cichlid
- • Sifts substrate — prefers sand
- • Pairs bond and breed readily
Feeding: Pellets, frozen foods, sinking wafers. Sifts substrate for food.
Compatibility Notes: Much hardier than German Blue Ram. Tolerates cooler water and wider pH range. Better beginner dwarf cichlid.
Tank Setup & Water Parameters
Tank Requirements
- Minimum Tank Size
- 20 gallons
- Recommended Tank Size
- 30 gallons
- Swimming Level
- bottom
Water Parameters
- Temperature
- 72–79°F
- pH Range
- 6–7.5
- Hardness (dGH)
- 3–15
- Water Type
- freshwater
Behavior & Temperament
- Temperament
- peaceful
- Aggression Level
- 2/5
- Schooling
- No
- Territorial
- Yes
- Fin Nipper
- No
- Predatory
- No
- Diet Type
- omnivore
- Growth Rate
- moderate
Much hardier than German Blue Ram. Tolerates cooler water and wider pH range. Better beginner dwarf cichlid.
Breeding
- Breeding Type
- egg layer
- Breeding Difficulty
- moderate
- Lifespan
- 5 years
Ideal For
20 galloncommunitycenterpiece fishplanted tank
Compatible Tank Mates
View all →
Neon Tetra
Paracheirodon innesi
70-81°FpH 6-710+ gal
peacefulschooling 6+1.5"
Cardinal Tetra
Paracheirodon axelrodi
73-81°FpH 4.5-6.510+ gal
peacefulschooling 6+2"
Ember Tetra
Hyphessobrycon amandae
73-84°FpH 5.5-75+ gal
peacefulschooling 8+0.8"
Rummy Nose Tetra
Hemigrammus rhodostomus
75-84°FpH 5.5-720+ gal
peacefulschooling 6+2.5"
Black Neon Tetra
Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi
73-81°FpH 5.5-7.510+ gal
peacefulschooling 6+1.6"
Serpae Tetra
Hyphessobrycon eques
72-82°FpH 6-7.520+ gal
semi-aggressiveschooling 6+1.75"
Similar Species
German Blue Ram
Mikrogeophagus ramirezi
78-86°FpH 5.5-720+ gal
peaceful3"
Keyhole Cichlid
Cleithracara maronii
72-79°FpH 6-7.520+ gal
peaceful4"
Ram Balloon
Mikrogeophagus ramirezi balloon
78-86°FpH 5.5-710+ gal
peaceful2.5"
Gold Ram
Mikrogeophagus ramirezi gold
78-86°FpH 5.5-710+ gal
peaceful3"