Bolivian Ram
Mikrogeophagus altispinosus
Bolivian Ram (Mikrogeophagus altispinosus) is a freshwater species with an adult-size reference of about 8 cm. It needs at least 100 litres and 2 individuals, with its social and territorial profile taken into account.
Temperatura da água
22 - 28 °C
Valor de pH
6.5 - 7.5
Tipo de água
Água doce
Nível do tanque
Parte inferior e intermediária
Tamanho adulto
8 cm
Volume mínimo do tanque
>= 100 L
Grupo mínimo
>= 2
GH
1 - 12 dGH
KH
1 - 6 dKH
TDS
25 - 240 ppm
Condutividade
39 - 375 uS/cm
Descrição da espécie
Geographical Origin and Habitat: A freshwater species; the enclosure should provide stability, oxygenation, space and shelter consistent with its behaviour without turning one habitat description into a mandatory recipe.
Taxonomy and Morphology: The accepted scientific name is Mikrogeophagus altispinosus; the verified classification records genus Mikrogeophagus, family Cichlidae, subfamily Cichlinae, order Cichliformes. Historical names remain searchable as synonyms rather than separate species.
Social Behavior: Bolivian Ram should be kept as a compatible pair. The minimum reference is 2 individuals; sex, maturity and available space can require a more conservative composition. Observe access to food, resting behaviour, chasing and use of shelter. Isolation, persistent competition or aggression means the number, composition or environment needs to be corrected.
Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Colour and shape can vary with age, sex, physiological state and environmental conditions. Identification and sexing require recognized species-level characters; one appearance or photograph is not enough.
Cuidado, criação e companheiros de tanque
Aquarium Setup: Bolivian Ram needs an aquarium of at least 100 litres, sized for adult body size and a minimum group of 2 individuals. Filtration, shelter and swimming room must match the species and the actual number kept. Volume alone does not make an enclosure suitable: tank shape and length, usable area, oxygenation and the ability to separate territories must reflect adult behaviour.
Diet and Feeding: The recorded diet is omnivorous. Offer appropriately sized foods varied within that category, and adjust quantity and frequency from actual intake, body condition and leftovers. One food or a fixed schedule is not suitable for every age and situation.
Water Quality: Maintain stable, well-oxygenated water appropriate to a freshwater species; the card's reference values are 22–28 °C, pH 6.5–7.5. Verify conditions with reliable tests and size maintenance and filtration to the actual load. Ranges are not automatic thresholds for treatment or rapid chemical correction.
Compatibility and Cohabitation: The cohabitation profile is suitable for a compatible community, with a generally territorial temperament. Keep at least 2 individuals; tankmates, stocking density and decor must allow escape, rest and feeding without excessive competition. Watch interactions especially during feeding, maturity and breeding. Persistent chasing, injury or exclusion from food requires a change in stocking or layout, or separation of the animals.
Aquarium Breeding: The recorded reproductive profile is “oviparity”. Breeding should be attempted only with healthy adults, separation capacity and a plan for eggs or young. Do not treat unverified triggers, sex ratios or hatch times as universal for this species.
Risks and Diseases: Prevent problems through quarantine of new arrivals, stable water, appropriate feeding and daily observation. Similar signs can have different causes, so check parameters, history and diagnosis before medication. Follow the product label and qualified aquatic-veterinary advice; there is no universal reduced dose for a species or family.
Origem e distribuição geográfica
A freshwater species; the enclosure should provide stability, oxygenation, space and shelter consistent with its behaviour without turning one habitat description into a mandatory recipe.
Origem
Amazônia, Orinoco e Guianas
Perfil de peixe
- Temperamento
- Territorial
- Bolivian Ram has a generally territorial temperament. Insufficient space, an unsuitable social ratio or incompatible tankmates can substantially change observed behaviour.
- Dieta
- Omnivore
- Bolivian Rams are omnivorous micropredators that sift through the substrate for small invertebrates. A high-quality diet of sinking cichlid pellets or granules should form the staple of their meals. This must be supplemented frequently with frozen or live foods such as bloodworms, daphnia, and brine shrimp to ensure optimal coloration.
- Expectativa de vida
- 4-6 years
- Tamanho adulto
- 8 cm
- Proporção sexual
- Pair
- Bolivian Ram should be kept as a compatible pair. The reference minimum is 2 individuals and must not be read as permission to overcrowd the aquarium.
- Frequência de alimentação
- Twice daily
- It is best to feed them small amounts two times a day, ensuring that food reaches the bottom where they prefer to feed. Due to their deliberate eating style, they can easily be outcompeted by fast-swimming top feeders. Target feeding may be necessary if they are kept in a busy community tank.
- Carga biológica
- Low to Medium
- The Bolivian Ram produces a moderate bioload typical for a dwarf cichlid of its size. Because they require pristine water conditions to thrive, efficient biological filtration and regular water changes are absolutely necessary. Although hardier than their German Blue Ram cousins, high nitrate levels will still compromise their immune system over time.
- Fluxo
- Stagnant
- They prefer sluggish to moderate water movement, replicating the slow-moving rivers and pools of their native South American habitat. Strong currents will force them to expend unnecessary energy and cause chronic stress. Baffling filter outputs or using sponge filters helps create a suitably calm environment.
- Risco de salto
- No
- Reprodução
- Oviparous
- They are substrate spawners that form monogamous pairs and provide excellent bi-parental care. The female will lay her eggs on a flat, cleaned stone or a broad plant leaf, which the male then fertilizes. Both parents will fiercely defend the eggs and the resulting free-swimming fry from any potential predators.
- Compatibilidade e companheiros de tanque
- Community
- The cohabitation profile is suitable for a compatible community, with a generally territorial temperament. Keep at least 2 individuals; tankmates, stocking density and decor must allow escape, rest and feeding without excessive competition. Watch interactions especially during feeding, maturity and breeding. Persistent chasing, injury or exclusion from food requires a change in stocking or layout, or separation of the animals.
- Nível do tanque
- Middle/Bottom
- Bolivian Rams are predominantly bottom and lower-mid level dwellers. They spend a significant portion of their day sifting through the sand, searching for morsels of food. Providing a soft, sandy substrate is crucial, as sharp gravel can severely damage their delicate gills during this sifting behavior.
Modelos e parâmetros científicos
FishBase
Acesso aos dados científicos oficiais da espécie
FishBase v25.04Dados sincronizados em: 15/06/2026
- Nível trófico
- 3,1 ± 0,5 se
- Resiliência
- Alta (menos de 15 meses)
- Unicidade filogenética (PD50)
- 0.75
- Relação bayesiana comprimento-peso
- a = 0.01445, b = 3.08
- VulnerabilidadeVulnerabilidade baixa (10 / 100)
Espécies relacionadas
Recomendações agrupadas por parentes próximos, escolhas de acompanhantes e cuidados semelhantes.
