Quick Stats
| Adult Size | 9 cm |
| Minimum Tank | 20 gal |
| Temperature | 22–27°C |
| pH Range | 6.0–7.5 |
| Hardness (GH) | 5–15 dGH |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Diet | Omnivore — pellets, frozen bloodworm, blanched vegetables |
| Schooling | Pairs or solo |
Tank Setup
The Bolivian Ram (Mikrogeophagus altispinosus) requires a minimum tank size of 20 gal. For a species this size, a larger tank is always better — more water volume means more stable parameters and a healthier environment.
Water parameters should be maintained within the following ranges: temperature 22–27°C, pH 6.0–7.5, and hardness 5–15 dGH. These are relatively tolerant fish that adapt to a range of conditions.
Provide appropriate hiding places, a suitable substrate, and planted areas to match the natural behaviour of this species.
Tank Mates
Bolivian Ram are peaceful fish. They work well in community tanks with similarly-sized peaceful species.
Compatible tank mates include: Corydoras, Otocinclus, Harlequin Rasbora, Neon Tetra, Cherry Barb. Avoid housing with aggressive or much larger fish.
Schooling requirements: Pairs or solo.
Diet & Feeding
Bolivian Ram are Omnivore. Feed a varied diet to ensure optimal health and colouration.
Omnivore — pellets, frozen bloodworm, blanched vegetables
Feed small amounts 1–2 times daily. Only provide what the fish can consume within 2–3 minutes to prevent overfeeding and water quality issues. Supplement with live or frozen foods for optimal health and colour.
Common Health Issues
Like all aquarium fish, Bolivian Ram can be susceptible to common diseases including ich (white spot disease), fin rot, and bacterial infections. This species is generally hardy and disease-resistant when kept in good conditions.
Prevention is always better than treatment. Maintain stable water parameters, avoid overfeeding, quarantine new fish before adding them to the main tank, and perform regular water changes. A regular maintenance routine will prevent most health issues.
If disease does occur, isolate affected fish in a quarantine tank and treat appropriately. Always research medication compatibility before use — some treatments are toxic to invertebrates and scaleless fish.
Breeding
Breeding Bolivian Ram is possible in the home aquarium.
Provide appropriate breeding conditions — caves or hiding places for egg-laying species. Condition breeding pairs with high-quality foods before attempting to spawn them.
Many Bolivian Ram will breed readily without intervention. Be prepared to remove eggs or fry if you want to raise them — adult fish may eat their own young.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tank does a Bolivian Ram need?
A Bolivian Ram needs a minimum tank size of 20 gal. However, larger is always better — more water volume means more stable water parameters and healthier fish.
Are Bolivian Ram easy to keep?
Bolivian Ram are rated as Easy difficulty. Beginners can keep them successfully with proper research and a cycled tank.
What do Bolivian Ram eat?
Bolivian Ram are Omnivore. Feed a varied diet including pellets, frozen bloodworm, blanched vegetables.
Can Bolivian Ram live with other fish?
Bolivian Ram are peaceful. Compatible tankmates include: Corydoras, Otocinclus, Harlequin Rasbora, Neon Tetra, Cherry Barb. They work well in community tanks with similarly-sized peaceful fish.