Description
Bolivian Dwarf Ram (Mikrogeophagus altispinosa)
Overview
Mikrogeophagus altispinosa, commonly known as the Bolivian ram or Bolivian butterfly cichlid, is a colourful and peaceful dwarf cichlid from the Cichlidae family, native to the upper Rio Madeira basin in Bolivia and Brazil, including the Rio Mamoré and Rio Guaporé drainages. Characterized by a gold belly, iridescent blue-green body, red fin highlights, and a dark vertical bar through the eye, males grow to about 3.5 inches (9 cm), while females are smaller at around 2.5 inches (6 cm). Less vibrant than its cousin, Mikrogeophagus ramirezi, this hardy species is prized for its calm temperament and adaptability, making it an excellent choice for community aquariums.
Care Requirements
Tank Size:
- Minimum 75L for a pair; 113–208L for a small group (4–6 individuals) or community setup to reduce territoriality.
Water Parameters:
- Temperature: 22–27°C, ideally 77–81°F for breeding.
- pH: 6.0–7.6 (adaptable but prefers slightly acidic to neutral).
- Hardness: 2–15 dGH (soft to moderately hard, TDS <150 ppm).
- Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm.
- Nitrate: <50 ppm (prefers <25 ppm for optimal health).
- Substrate: Fine sand to support their natural substrate-sifting Behaviour; smooth gravel or leaf litter (e.g., Indian almond leaves) can mimic their habitat.
- Décor: Dense plants (e.g., Java fern, Anubias, Vallisneria), driftwood, caves (e.g., clay pots, coconut shells), and flat rocks for hiding and spawning. Open swimming areas are essential.
- Filtration: Gentle flow with sponge or canister filters; use baffles to reduce current, as they prefer calm waters.
- Lighting: Low to moderate; floating plants or dim lighting reduce stress and enhance colouration.
Maintenance
- Water Changes: 20–25% weekly with dechlorinated water to maintain low nitrate levels and stable parameters.
- Tank Cleaning: Siphon uneaten food and debris; preserve substrate biofilm to support natural foraging.
- Testing: Weekly checks for pH, hardness, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate using a reliable test kit.
- Equipment Check: Ensure heaters maintain stable temperatures and filters provide low flow; inspect for clogs to protect water quality.
Diet
- Type: Omnivorous with a benthophagous nature, sifting substrate for food and browsing surfaces.
- Foods:
- Live/Frozen: Bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, grindal worms, mysis shrimp.
- Dry: High-quality sinking pellets or flakes (e.g., Fluval Bug Bites, Hikari Sinking Cichlid Pellets).
- Occasional: Blanched vegetables (e.g., peas, spinach) or algae wafers for variety.
- Feeding: Small portions 2–3 times daily; ensure food sinks to their preferred mid-to-bottom level. Follow the “five-minute rule” to avoid overfeeding.
- Notes: A varied diet enhances colouration and health. Wild-caught fish may initially refuse dry foods but adapt over time.
Behaviour and Compatibility
- Temperament: Peaceful, slightly territorial during breeding or feeding; less aggressive than M. ramirezi.
- Social Behaviour: Thrives in groups of 4–6 or as a bonded pair. Males may show mild aggression toward each other without females; group setups in larger tanks (>200 litres) reduce conflicts. Curious and social, often patrolling the tank bottom.
- Compatible Tankmates: Small, peaceful fish: Tetras (e.g., neon, cardinal), rasboras, guppies, pencilfish.
Bottom-dwellers: Corydoras catfish, Otocinclus, kuhli loaches. - Incompatible: Large, aggressive fish (e.g., larger cichlids, barbs), fin-nippers, or species requiring strong currents or alkaline water.
- Notes: Dither fish like tetras reduce shyness. Provide ample hiding spots and open spaces to minimize territorial disputes.
Breeding Behaviour
Breeding Type: Biparental open substrate spawners; lay eggs on flat surfaces like rocks, driftwood, or leaves.
Picture for illustrative purposes only. Either come in store to view available stock or request pictures to be sent to you.
Please Note: Due to variations within species resulting from age, region, sex, etc., the actual livestock may not look identical to the image. Approximate size range may also vary between individual specimens.
