Bolivian Ram
Mikrogeophagus altispinosus
Also known as: Bolivian butterfly, Bolivian cichlid
Quick Facts
- Adult size: 7-8 cm (2.65-3.15 inches)
- Minimum tank size: 110 litres (29 gallons)
- Lifespan: 4–6 years
- Temperament: peaceful
- Swimming level: middle-and-bottom
- Diet: omnivore
- Minimum group size: 1
- Difficulty: beginner
Water Parameters
- Temperature: 23–28°C
- pH: 6–7.5
- Hardness (GH): 18–180 ppm (1–10 dGH)
Values above are general hardness (GH). For carbonate hardness (KH), the buffer that keeps pH stable, see the water parameters guide.
Care Summary
Often described as 'the ram for keepers who can't keep german blue rams', and that's an accurate but slightly dismissive framing. Bolivian rams are excellent fish in their own right: peaceful, intelligent, attractive with a soft golden-grey body and subtle markings, and tolerant of typical community-tank conditions. A genuinely beginner-friendly cichlid that defies the cichlid reputation. Less spectacular colouration than the german blue ram, but significantly longer-lived in normal household tanks. Recommended over german blue rams for any keeper without specifically soft, warm, and stable water. It tolerates carbonate hardness (KH) better than the German blue ram, but still does best with a low to moderate KH and acidic to neutral water, and a low KH helps if you want to breed it.
Tankmates
The hardier cousin of the german blue ram, suited to a much broader range of water conditions and significantly more forgiving of beginner mistakes. Tolerates harder, more alkaline water than german blue rams, making them suitable for typical Australian tap water without modification. Best kept as a single individual or a bonded pair. Avoid keeping with german blue rams (territorial competition between similar species) or with significantly larger or more aggressive cichlids.
Compatible with
- Neon Tetra
- Harlequin Rasbora
- Bronze Corydoras
- Ember Tetra
- Bristlenose Pleco
- Honey Gourami
- Amano Shrimp
Avoid keeping with
- Betta
- German Blue Ram
- Tiger Barb
- Fin Nippers
- Large Cichlids
Common Problems
- less vivid colour than german blue rams in well-lit tanks
- occasional fin damage from inappropriate tankmates
- ich at lower temperatures
- stress from larger cichlid aggression
Sources: seriouslyfish.com, fishbase.org · Last updated: 2026-06-18