Bolivian Ram

Mikrogeophagus altispinosus
The Bolivian Ram is a delightful dwarf Cichlid originating from Bolivia and Brazil. Wild caught specimens seem to be rare and most found in the hobby are captive bred. The Bolivian Ram can be quite variable in it's colouration and body markings, some having predominantly grey bodies whereas others show orange, yellow and pink hues. This Ram grows larger ( 10 cm ) than it's Venezuelan relative the Blue Ram but exhibits the same placid nature making it ideal for a community tank.
The Bolivian Ram is not particularly difficult to care for, as long as stable water chemistry is maintained and Nitrates kept below 25 ppm. They are happy in quite a large pH range and do not require the very soft acidic water often recommended for Blue Rams, a GH of 4 - 12 degrees is fine for these fish. The Bolivian Ram would ideally be kept in a mixed sex pair, if possible you should buy several young Rams and allow them to pair off naturally, once you have a pair you should return the others. The Bolivian is quite a gentle Cichlid and it is not recommended to be kept in a more aggressive Cichlid community. It can be kept with another pair(s) of small non-aggressive Cichlids such as Blue Rams in a tank of 100 L or larger. An ideal aquarium would be well planted and have a number of caves or similar hiding places for the fish to retreat. Dither fish such as smaller Tetras and Rasboras help to alleviate any shyness. These fish are not fussy eaters and will accept flake, sinking tablets and small cichild pellets. Frozen and live bloodworm, black mosquito larvae and brine shrimp are all relished.

Photo from www.israquarium.co.il