Bolivian Ram

The Bolivian ram (Mikrogeophagus altispinosus) is a relatively large and hardy dwarf cichlid endemic to the upper Rio Madeira basin in Bolivia and Brazil. Reaching a standard length of 7–8 cm, it is noticeably bigger and less intensely colored than its better-known congener Mikrogeophagus ramirezi (the German blue ram), displaying a subtle beauty of golden-brown flanks, iridescent blue-green spotting on the upper body, and elongated dorsal fin rays with a dark trailing edge. It is also known by the trade names 'hi-fin ram', 'Bolivian butterfly', and 'ruby crown cichlid', and is widely considered a better choice for less-experienced aquarists than the more demanding M. ramirezi.

Despite being commonly sold as a community fish, the Bolivian ram requires pristine water quality and is a poor competitor for food and space, so tankmates should be chosen with care. It is best housed with peaceful open-water characins (which help reduce its natural shyness by signaling the absence of danger), small Corydoras catfish, and similarly mild-mannered species. It is a relatively gregarious cichlid and ideally should be maintained in a mixed-sex group of 6–8 or more in a spacious aquarium (120 cm in length or larger); in confined quarters males can become territorial. In nature it is a benthophagous 'eartheater' that takes mouthfuls of substrate and sifts edible items from it, expelling the remainder via the gills. In the aquarium it should be offered a varied diet of live and frozen bloodworm, Artemia, and Daphnia, supplemented with high-quality sinking dried foods.

The single most important requirement is a soft, sandy substrate that allows natural sifting behavior — coarse gravel can damage gill filaments or be ingested with potentially fatal consequences. Décor of driftwood, roots, and flat stones provides shade, territories, and potential spawning sites. Aquatic plants such as Microsorum, Taxiphyllum, Cryptocoryne, and Anubias can be attached to the hardscape. Recommended water parameters include a temperature of 24–28°C, pH 6.0–7.5, and hardness 18–179 ppm. The species is a biparental substrate spawner; eggs are laid on a flat surface and both parents share brood care. Adults should never be added to a biologically immature aquarium, as deteriorating conditions quickly trigger head and lateral line erosion.