Bolivian Ram Cichlid: Care, Diet & Tank Mates

The Bolivian Ram (Mikrogeophagus altispinosus) is one of the best beginner-friendly cichlids you can keep in a freshwater aquarium. Known for its calm temperament and vibrant fins, it offers the charm of a cichlid without the aggression. This guide is based on years of firsthand aquarium experience and will walk you through everything from setup to tank mates and breeding.

Species Overview

The Bolivian Ram, scientifically known as Mikrogeophagus altispinosus, hails from the Amazon Basin regions of Bolivia and Brazil. These peaceful fish grow up to 3.5 inches and can live for 4–6 years with proper care. They’re known for being social and relatively easy to care for, making them perfect for aquarists of all levels.

Appearance and Behavior

Bolivian Rams display a beautiful pale gold body with soft hues of pink or blue, accented by black shoulder spots and bright orange on their dorsal fins. Males often appear larger with pointed fins, while females are rounder. These fish are gentle and curious, often seen exploring the tank’s mid and bottom levels. They rarely show aggression, except during spawning.

My Experience: I’ve kept Bolivian Rams for over 5 years, and what stands out most is their curious and engaging behavior. They recognize feeding times and will gently sift through the substrate, which is fun to watch and beneficial for tank health.

Bolivian Ram vs. German Blue Ram

Feature	Bolivian Ram	German Blue Ram
Size	3.5 inches	2.5 inches
Temperature Preference	72–78°F	78–82°F
Aggression Level	Very low	Can be semi-aggressive
Lifespan	4–6 years	2–4 years
Hardiness	More hardy	Sensitive to water changes
Beginner-Friendly	Yes	No

Bolivian Rams are much better suited for beginners due to their hardiness and tolerance of a wider temperature range.

Ideal Tank Setup

Start with at least a 20-gallon tank for a pair. A fine sand or smooth gravel substrate allows for natural digging behavior. Add plants like Java fern, Anubias, and Amazon swords, along with driftwood, caves, and smooth rocks to create hiding spots. Maintain water temperatures between 72–78°F, pH around 6.5–7.5, and general hardness between 5–12 dGH. A sponge filter or gentle-flow filter helps maintain water quality without stressing the fish.

Real Tip: These fish love structure. I’ve found that adding a few coconut shells and leaf litter helps replicate their natural habitat and keeps them stress-free.

olivian Rams do well with peaceful, similarly sized fish. Ideal companions include Neon Tetras, Ember Tetras, Corydoras Catfish, Harlequin Rasboras, Hatchetfish, and peaceful shrimp like Amano or Cherry Shrimp if ample hiding spaces are provided. Mystery Snails are also safe companions. Avoid pairing them with aggressive species like Tiger Barbs, Bettas, or large Plecos.

Personal Note: I’ve kept Bolivians with Corydoras and Ember Tetras in a 30-gallon tank for over a year—no fin-nipping, no chasing, just peaceful cohabitation.

Feeding and Diet

These omnivores enjoy a varied diet. Offer them high-quality cichlid pellets, frozen foods like bloodworms or brine shrimp, blanched vegetables such as zucchini or spinach, and occasional live food for enrichment. Feed twice a day in small portions. They eat slower than fast-moving tank mates, so target-feeding ensures they get their share.

Breeding Bolivian Rams

To encourage breeding, keep a small group of four to six and let them pair off naturally. Provide flat stones or broad leaves as spawning sites and increase the water temperature slightly to around 78–80°F. Once they spawn, the parents guard the eggs and fry closely. Based on my own experience, they’re excellent parents—even in community tanks, they establish a safe zone that other fish respect.

Want something more colorful? Check out our German Blue Ram Care Guide for a vibrant, eye-catching alternative.

FAQ

Are Bolivian Rams aggressive?
No, they are among the most peaceful cichlids you can keep.

Can they live alone?
Technically yes, but they do better in pairs or small peaceful communities.

Are they good for planted tanks?
Absolutely. They don’t uproot plants and love shaded areas.

Do they dig a lot?
Mild digging behavior, mostly when foraging or spawning.

Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a peaceful, colorful, and relatively low-maintenance cichlid, the Bolivian Ram is a fantastic choice. Their engaging personality, calm nature, and compatibility with planted community tanks make them ideal for both beginners and experienced aquarists.