A hardy and relatively peaceful dwarf cichlid native to the Amazon river basin. Compared to the popular German Blue Ram, the Bolivian Ram is larger, much more forgiving of water parameters, and prefers slightly cooler temperatures. They are eartheaters (geophagine) that sift through the substrate for food, making soft sand an absolute requirement to prevent gill damage.
Bolivian Ram At a Glance
Bolivian Ram Tank Requirements
Will Bolivian Ram fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Bolivian Ram needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Bolivian Ram against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Bolivian Ram Water Parameters
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Bolivian Ram Temperament & Compatibility
Bolivian Ram Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard / Unsexed
The standard Bolivian Ram. Males and females are notoriously difficult to tell apart when young. Both exhibit similar peaceful (but territorial when breeding) behaviors. Best kept singly, as a confirmed male/female pair, or in a larger group if the tank permits.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Common Bolivian Ram
Bolivian Ram Care Guide Summary
The Bolivian Ram, scientifically known as Mikrogeophagus altispinosus, belongs to the Cichlids - South American family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 8 cm and have a compressed body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as mostly peaceful, this species primarily occupies the bottom and mid-level zones of the aquarium and produces a high level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Bolivian Ram requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 75 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 23°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 6–7.5 and a general hardness of 2–10 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
The Bolivian Ram is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. The Bolivian Ram is typically available in one standard form.
Bolivian Ram Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Bolivian Ram, a low water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the bottom and mid-level zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement and sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include a sand substrate to accommodate their sifting behaviour and smooth gravel or rounded substrate to protect their sensitive barbels. Keepers should note that expect substrate disturbance, so lightweight décor should be secured.
Bolivian Ram Compatibility Notes
Classified as mostly peaceful, the Bolivian Ram is adaptable and can be kept singly or in a small group, offering flexibility when planning a community tank. When choosing tankmates, territorial behaviour may cause issues if hiding spots or floor space are limited. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the bottom and mid-level zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Bolivian Ram Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Bolivian Ram.
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
36 Gallon Bowfront
40 Gallon Breeder
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bolivian Ram
How big does Bolivian Ram get?
Bolivian Ram (Mikrogeophagus altispinosus) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 8 cm. They have a compressed body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Bolivian Ram need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 75 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm are recommended for Bolivian Ram. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Bolivian Ram need?
Bolivian Ram thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 23–28°C, a pH between 6 and 7.5, and a general hardness of 2–10 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Is Bolivian Ram peaceful or aggressive?
Bolivian Ram is classified as mostly peaceful with an aggression score of 4 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
Can Bolivian Ram live alone?
Yes, Bolivian Ram can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Does Bolivian Ram have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Bolivian Ram benefits from sand (sifters) and smooth gravel (sensitive barbels) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Top Tank Mates for Bolivian Ram
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Bolivian Ram based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Japanese Ricefish (Medaka)
Oryzias latipes
Ideal Tank MatesClown Killifish
Epiplatys annulatus
Ideal Tank MatesZebra Spiny Eel
Mastacembelus zebrinus
Ideal Tank MatesBanded Gourami
Trichogaster fasciata
Ideal Tank MatesBanana Loach
Acantopsis choirorhynchos
Ideal Tank MatesAxelrod's Rainbowfish
Chilatherina axelrodi
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Bolivian Ram
These plants pair well with Bolivian Ram based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Amazon Frogbit
Limnobium laevigatum
Asian Watergrass
Hygroryza aristata
Asian Watermoss
Salvinia cucullata
Carolina Mosquito Fern
Azolla caroliniana
Common Duckweed
Lemna minor
Crystalwort
Riccia fluitans
Fish Similar to Bolivian Ram
German Blue Ram
Mikrogeophagus ramirezi
A strikingly colorful dwarf cichlid native to the Orinoco River basin. Famous for its vibrant blue spangles and peaceful demeanor compared to larger cichlids. They are strictly thermophilic (require high temperatures of 27-30°C / 81-86°F) and thrive in soft, acidic water. As 'earth-eaters' (Mikrogeophagus), they sift sand for food and form monogamous pairs.
Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid
Apistogramma cacatuoides
A highly popular and vibrant dwarf cichlid native to the Amazon basin. Named for the male's flamboyant, crest-like dorsal fin. They are cave-spawners that require a fine sand substrate (which they sift through their gills) and plenty of hiding spots. While generally peaceful in community tanks, they become fiercely territorial when breeding.
Kribensis
Pelvicachromis pulcher
A vibrant and highly popular dwarf cichlid native to the slow-moving rivers of West Africa. Unlike Rift Lake African cichlids, they prefer soft, slightly acidic water and densely planted tanks. They are generally peaceful in a community tank but become fiercely territorial and aggressive when breeding, often digging pits in the substrate and claiming the bottom zone. They are cave spawners and require hiding spots like driftwood or coconut shells.
Agassiz's Dwarf Cichlid
Apistogramma agassizii
A stunning South American dwarf cichlid known for its distinct spade-shaped tail and brilliant color morphs. They are bottom-dwelling micro-predators that sift sand for food. While generally peaceful in community tanks, they are highly territorial when breeding. They thrive in soft, acidic blackwater conditions.
Banded Cichlid
Heros notatus
Often sold as the Spotted Severum, this large South American cichlid is prized for its disc-like shape and the striking spots and bands along its lower half. They are native to the blackwater Rio Negro basin. While generally considered 'gentle giants' in the cichlid world, they are opportunistic predators that will eat any fish small enough to fit in their mouths. They are also notorious for devouring live aquarium plants.
Texas Cichlid
Herichthys cyanoguttatus
The Texas Cichlid is the only cichlid species native to the United States. Known for their striking pearlescent blue/green spots and extreme territorial behavior, they require large tanks and robust filtration. They are notorious for rearranging aquariums, digging massive pits, and destroying live plants.