{"product_id":"bolivian-ram-mikrogeophagus-altispinosus-freshwater","title":"Bolivian Ram (Mikrogeophagus altispinosus)","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"font-family:Georgia,serif;color:#1a1a1a;max-width:860px;line-height:1.7;\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"background:#E3F2FD;border-left:4px solid #1E88E5;padding:10px 14px;margin:0 0 14px;font-size:0.95em;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIn-store pickup only.\u003c\/strong\u003e Your order is reserved, we hold off on bagging until you arrive so it stays healthy in its display tank.\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eBolivian Ram\u003c\/strong\u003e (\u003cem\u003eMikrogeophagus altispinosus\u003c\/em\u003e) is the dwarf cichlid we point most beginners toward. It has all the charm of a cichlid, the watchful eyes, the sand sifting, the pairs that guard their spot, without the bad attitude or the fragility. Look for a warm golden body, a dark bar through the middle, soft blue sheen on the fins, red edging on the tail, and in adults long trailing tips on the tail and dorsal fin. It is peaceful, adaptable, and far hardier than its famous cousin the German Blue Ram. Browse the rest of our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/collections\/fish\"\u003elive fish\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/collections\/fresh-water\"\u003efreshwater supplies\u003c\/a\u003e to build its community.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"background:#FFF8E1;border-left:4px solid #F9A825;padding:10px 14px;margin:14px 0;font-size:0.95em;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGive it a mature tank and some sand.\u003c\/strong\u003e Bolivian Rams are tough, but like all cichlids they do best in an established, stable aquarium rather than a brand new one. They feed by sifting mouthfuls of substrate, so soft sand lets them show off the behavior that makes them so fun to watch.\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:14px 0 4px;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;line-height:1.25;border-left:4px solid #1E88E5;padding-left:8px;\"\u003eBolivian Ram or German Blue Ram?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe two share a genus and a nickname, but they are very different fish to keep. The German Blue Ram (\u003cem\u003eMikrogeophagus ramirezi\u003c\/em\u003e) is smaller, more colorful, and famously delicate, needing warm, soft, very clean water around 82 to 86°F. The Bolivian Ram is a little larger and more subdued in color, and it is comfortable at ordinary community temperatures, in a wider pH range, and in tanks that are not run perfectly. If you have lost German Blue Rams before, this is the ram to try next.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe fish in our tanks are young, about 2 inches, so the long fin extensions and full color of an adult are still developing. Give them a few months of good food and stable water and they fill out beautifully.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:14px 0 4px;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;line-height:1.25;border-left:4px solid #1E88E5;padding-left:8px;\"\u003eCare Guide\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTank size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 20 gallon long for one fish, 30 gallons or more for a pair or when keeping them with other bottom dwellers. Floor space matters more than height.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSubstrate and decor:\u003c\/strong\u003e soft sand such as \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/estes-natural-aquatic-sand\"\u003eEstes Natural Aquatic Sand\u003c\/a\u003e, with driftwood, rocks, and plants breaking the tank into territories. A flat stone or a cave like the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/aquarium-co-op-apisto-cave\"\u003eAquarium Co-Op Apisto Cave\u003c\/a\u003e gives a pair a place to call home.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater parameters:\u003c\/strong\u003e 74 to 80°F, pH 6.0 to 7.8, soft to moderately hard. They are adaptable, but stability matters more than hitting an exact number.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater quality:\u003c\/strong\u003e change 25 to 30% weekly. Cichlids show poor water quickly with clamped fins and faded color.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding:\u003c\/strong\u003e omnivore. Offer a small sinking pellet like \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/xtreme-community-peewee-slow-sinking-pellet\"\u003eXtreme Community Peewee\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/hikari-micro-pellets\"\u003eHikari Micro Pellets\u003c\/a\u003e daily, with frozen \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/hikari-bio-pure-frozen-blood-worms\"\u003ebloodworms\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/hikari-bio-pure-frozen-brine-shrimp\"\u003ebrine shrimp\u003c\/a\u003e a few times a week. They feed near the bottom, so make sure food gets past the tetras.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSingles, pairs, or groups:\u003c\/strong\u003e a single Bolivian Ram is perfectly content. A bonded pair is wonderful to watch but will guard a territory when spawning. Groups work only in larger tanks with plenty of broken sightlines.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMedication sensitivity:\u003c\/strong\u003e go easy on salt and copper, and ask us before treating a tank with rams in it.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:14px 0 4px;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;line-height:1.25;border-left:4px solid #1E88E5;padding-left:8px;\"\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"border-collapse:collapse;width:100%;max-width:640px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific name\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eMikrogeophagus altispinosus\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon names\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eBolivian Ram, Bolivian Butterfly Cichlid, Ruby Crown Cichlid\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare level\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eBeginner\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003ePeaceful, mildly territorial when spawning\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSize when purchased\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eAbout 2 inches\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdult size\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eAbout 3 to 3.5 inches\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum tank\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e20 gallons long for one, 30 gallons for a pair\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e74 to 80°F\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003epH\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e6.0 to 7.8\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSubstrate\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eSoft sand preferred\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eOmnivore, small sinking pellets and frozen foods\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLifespan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e4 to 6 years\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eMamoré and Guaporé river basins of Bolivia and Brazil. Aquarium stock is mostly farm raised\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater type\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eFreshwater\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePickup\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eIn-store pickup at Squeaky's Aquatics\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:14px 0 4px;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;line-height:1.25;border-left:4px solid #1E88E5;padding-left:8px;\"\u003eCompatibility\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBolivian Rams make an excellent centerpiece for a calm South American or general community. Pair them with midwater schoolers like \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/cardinal-tetra-paracheirodon-axelrodi-freshwater\"\u003eCardinal Tetras\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/brilliant-rummy-nose-tetra-hemigrammus-bleheri-freshwater\"\u003eRummy Nose Tetras\u003c\/a\u003e, or \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/black-emperor-tetra-nematobrycon-palmeri-freshwater\"\u003eBlack Emperor Tetras\u003c\/a\u003e, peaceful bottom dwellers like the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/sterbai-cory-corydoras-sterbai-freshwater\"\u003eSterbai Cory\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/bushynose-pleco-ancistrus-freshwater\"\u003eBushynose Pleco\u003c\/a\u003e, and gentle gouramis such as the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/pearl-gourami-trichopodus-leerii-freshwater\"\u003ePearl Gourami\u003c\/a\u003e. In a roomy tank they also get along with adult angelfish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat goes wrong: aggressive or larger cichlids such as oscars and African mbuna will bully them, and fast fin nippers like tiger barbs stress them out. Two males in a small tank will squabble over the floor, so give extra rams extra space. Adult shrimp are usually left alone, but shrimplets and tiny fry will be eaten.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:14px 0 4px;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;line-height:1.25;border-left:4px solid #1E88E5;padding-left:8px;\"\u003eRecommended Foods \u0026amp; Supplies\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/xtreme-community-peewee-slow-sinking-pellet\"\u003eXtreme Community Peewee\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/hikari-micro-pellets\"\u003eHikari Micro Pellets\u003c\/a\u003e as the daily staple\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/hikari-bio-pure-frozen-blood-worms\"\u003eHikari Bio-Pure Frozen Bloodworms\u003c\/a\u003e for conditioning and color\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/repashy-community-plus\"\u003eRepashy Community Plus\u003c\/a\u003e as a nutritious gel food\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/estes-natural-aquatic-sand\"\u003eEstes Natural Aquatic Sand\u003c\/a\u003e for natural sifting\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/aquarium-co-op-apisto-cave\"\u003eAquarium Co-Op Apisto Cave\u003c\/a\u003e as a territory anchor\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/fritz-catappa-leaves-10pk\"\u003eFritz Catappa Leaves\u003c\/a\u003e for tannins and a natural look\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:14px 0 4px;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;line-height:1.25;border-left:4px solid #1E88E5;padding-left:8px;\"\u003eFAQ\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs a Bolivian Ram good for a beginner?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. It is one of the easiest cichlids you can keep. It handles normal community temperatures and a wide pH range, and it is much more forgiving than the German Blue Ram. Just add it to a tank that is already cycled and stable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShould I get one, a pair, or a group?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOne is perfectly happy alone. A pair is the most rewarding if you have 30 gallons or more, and they may spawn and guard eggs. Groups need a large tank with plenty of cover so no single fish gets picked on.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I tell males from females?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt is hard in young fish. Adult males usually grow a bit larger with longer fin extensions, and females often show a pinkish belly when ready to spawn. At about 2 inches, most of ours are too young to sex reliably.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I keep it with German Blue Rams?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn a larger tank, yes, but their needs pull in different directions. German Blue Rams want it warmer than Bolivian Rams prefer, so a compromise around 80°F is the best you can do. Most keepers pick one or the other.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill it eat my plants?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo. Bolivian Rams sift sand for food but leave plants alone. They may uproot a freshly planted stem while digging, so anchor new plants well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n","brand":"Squeaky's Aquatics","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48304271327451,"sku":"F1509","price":11.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0767\/5209\/3403\/files\/BolivianRam.jpg?v=1772098151","url":"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/bolivian-ram-mikrogeophagus-altispinosus-freshwater","provider":"Squeaky's Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}