Bolivian Ram

• ExerciseLow

  A calm, unhurried swimmer — peaceful surroundings suit them best.

• GroomingEasy tank upkeep

  No grooming here — steady water quality and routine tank care do it.

• Living spaceNano-tank friendly

  Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.

• Owner experienceSome experience helps

  A little know-how makes life smoother.

• Commitment4–6 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Ich (white spot) · Fin rot · Skin conditions

The Bolivian ram (Mikrogeophagus altispinosus) is a dwarf cichlid from the upper Amazon basin, in the Rio Guaporé and Mamoré drainages of Bolivia and Brazil. It grows to about 8 cm and lives 4–6 years — larger, hardier and longer-lived than the German blue ram. Its subtle gold body carries a dark teardrop mark beneath the eye and reddish fin edges. Bolivian rams are far more forgiving than their German cousins, thriving in a tank of 110 litres or more at 22–27°C with a pH of 6.0–7.5. Provide fine substrate they can sift, plants, driftwood and flat stones or caves for spawning. A pair is gently territorial around a nest but otherwise peaceful in a community. They are omnivores that sift the substrate for food and take pellets, frozen bloodworm and brine shrimp. Calm and curious, they make an ideal 'first cichlid' alongside tetras, rasboras and corydoras. Hardy but still sensitive to poor water, their main risks are ich and fin rot; regular water changes and a stable, well-filtered tank keep them healthy and long-lived.

• How active is a Bolivian Ram?

  Low. A calm, unhurried swimmer — peaceful surroundings suit them best.

• How much maintenance does a Bolivian Ram need?

  Easy tank upkeep. No grooming here — steady water quality and routine tank care do it.

• What tank size does a Bolivian Ram need?

  Nano-tank friendly. Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.

• Is a Bolivian Ram a good fit for first-time owners?

  Some experience helps. A little know-how makes life smoother.

• How long do Bolivian Ram live?

  4–6 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Bolivian Ram?

  Keep an eye out for Ich (white spot), Fin rot, Skin conditions. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

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