Bolivian Ram

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Rio Madeira Basin (Bolivia and Brazil). Lives in calm waters with light sandy or muddy bottoms dotted with roots and sparse plant cover (Habitat shared with corydoras).

Taxonomy and Morphology: Bolivian Ram (Mikrogeophagus altispinosus). Dwarf cichlid ("Earth-eater"). High profile and ovalized body, characterized by evident spiny rays ("altispinosus") extended on the dorsal.

Social Behavior: Sociable and peaceful benthophagous cichlid. Spends its life sifting sand. Less demanding and less aggressive than the common Ramirezi. Forms tolerant loose groups among conspecifics.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Pastel cream base color, pinkish reflections, and fin margins edged with a bright pink-red. The large black spot in the middle of the flank is evident. Males have more pointed lyre tails.

Aquarium Setup: Very fine SAND is indispensable (coarse gravel forbidden). Tank with wide open expanses on the bottom and peripheral shelters of soft woods. Echinodorus or other broad-leaved plants as spawning sites.

Diet and Feeding: Omnivorous digger. Medium-sized sinking granules, frozen bloodworms and tubifex to flush out from under the sand. Does not feed on the surface.

Water Quality: Robust. Will tolerate neutral and medium hard waters (Ph 6.5-7.5), does not need extreme tropical temperatures (24-25°C / 75-77°F ideal). Avoid excessive currents.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Peaceful roommate for South American community tanks. Perfect with small Tetras, Loricariids, Corydoras (as long as there is space on the bottom).

Aquarium Reproduction: Faithful biparental. Spawns on smooth stones (Open spawner) bitterly defending the brood (about 100-200 eggs). Both parents lead the fry to graze on the bottom.

Risks and Diseases: Substrate abrasions. The use of gravel or sharp quartz will cause inevitable bacterial infections to the gills and will exhaust it during the "earth-eating" action.