Bolivian Ram

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Rio Madeira Basin (Bolivia and Brazil). Lives in calm waters (slow-flowing lagoons and oxbow lakes) with light sandy or muddy bottoms dotted with roots and sparse plant cover.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Bolivian Ram (Mikrogeophagus altispinosus). Dwarf cichlid (Miniature "Earth-eater"). Ovalized body and high profile, with conspicuous protruding rays ("altispinosus") on the dorsal fin.

Social Behavior: Sociable "Benthophagous" cichlid. Spends the entire day filtering piles of sand through the gills to extract insects (Earth-eating). Fairly tolerant of conspecifics if the tank (minimum 100 cm / 40 inches) allows, forming a loose group or loose pairs.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Pastel cream base color, pinkish reflections, yellow belly and fin margins edged with a bright flamingo pink-red. The large black spot in the middle of the flank is evident. Males have more pointed lyre tails (extended caudal filaments) than females.

Aquarium Setup: Very fine light SAND is indispensable (not gravel). The tank should be set up with wide open expanses on the bottom (for sifting) and peripheral shelters of soft woods. Broad plants like Echinodorus will act as potential spawning sites.

Diet and Feeding: Omnivorous digger. Medium-sized sinking granules (to drop and settle). It is essential to integrate with frozen "pastes", tubifex to flush out from under the sand and bloodworms. Cannot feed on the surface.

Water Quality: Much more robust and easier than its cousin Ramirezi (M. ramirezi). Will tolerate neutral and medium hard waters, and does not require crazy temperatures (24-25°C / 75-77°F ideal). Excessively clean or too turbulent water will disturb it.

Compatibility and Tankmates: "Community" cichlid par excellence. Coexists peacefully with Cardinals, Lemon Tetras, Loricariids, Corydoras (if the tank is large otherwise they will annoy each other for the bottom) and adult Caridina.

Aquarium Reproduction: Faithful biparental. The pair digs a deep hole or cleans a smooth stone where they lay the eggs (150+). Fierce defense of the nest. After hatching, the parents will lead the "little cloud" of fry to graze on the bottom for weeks.

Risks and Diseases: Substrate abrasions. The use of coarse gravel (such as quartz or ceramic) for this fish is a mortal torture: it will cause chronic gill infections and exhaust it (as it will vainly try to "chew" it).