Bolivian Butterfly Ram

The Bolivian Ram Cichlid (Mikrogeophagus altispinosus) is a true hidden gem and a fantastic alternative to its more well-known cousin, Mikrogeophagus ramirezi. Hardier, peaceful, and full of personality, this beautiful dwarf cichlid is often overlooked despite being an excellent choice for community aquariums.

Bolivian Rams are loved for their subtle yet striking colouration, interesting behaviour, and manageable size. Like many dwarf cichlids, they offer all the personality of larger cichlids without the extreme aggression.

This species thrives in aquariums with sandy substrates and plenty of hiding spaces such as driftwood, rockwork, and caves. They are an excellent choice for planted aquariums but still appreciate open swimming areas. Bolivian Rams are generally peaceful and do very well in community tanks with other calm fish species.

While they can become territorial during spawning, they are far less aggressive than many other cichlids and often display their best colours and behaviours when kept in groups of six or more. Small shrimp and delicate invertebrates may be at risk, although larger shrimp and snails can work in spacious setups.

Feeding is simple, as Bolivian Rams are unfussy eaters. They readily accept high-quality dry foods, frozen foods, and live meaty foods. A varied diet will help maintain their health, vibrant colouration, and overall condition.

What We Love About This Fish

• Beautiful colouration in both males and females
• Hardy and beginner-friendly for a dwarf cichlid
• Full of personality and interesting behaviour
• Possible to breed in the home aquarium
• Compatible with many peaceful community fish

Recommended Tank Parameters

• Temperature: 24°–28°C
• pH: 6.0–7.5
• KH: 0–10 KH
• Minimum Tank Size: 20–30 gallons for a small group, larger for community setups

Care Guidelines

• Diet: Carnivorous — thrives on a varied diet of quality dry, frozen, and live foods
• Social Behaviour: Peaceful overall, though territorial when breeding
• Origin: Tank-bred, originally native to South America
• Average Adult Size: Around 7.5 cm
• Average Purchase Size: Juveniles 2.5–3 cm, adults 6.4–7.6 cm

Sample photo shown for reference only. Exact fish may vary in size and colouration.