How big does Bolivian Ram get?

Bolivian Ram reaches an adult standard length of 7–9 cm (excluding the caudal fin). Size the tank for that, not for the juvenile you bring home — the difference is often several times over, and upgrading later costs more than buying once.

What water does Bolivian Ram need?

24–28 °C, pH 6–7.5, 2–12 dGH. That is only 4 °C wide, so stability matters more than hitting a particular number.

What is the smallest tank for Bolivian Ram?

At least 80 L, and no shorter than 70 cm. That is the floor for long-term keeping, not for short-term survival: volume buys water stability and length buys swimming room, and neither substitutes for the other. It is not a schooling fish, so a single specimen or a pair is fine.

What is Bolivian Ram like to keep?

Temperament: peaceful. Difficulty: beginner. It occupies the bottom and is carnivore. With plants it is "Leaves plants alone".

G-01 / 23Freshwater

Bolivian Ram玻利维亚凤凰

Mikrogeophagus altispinosus · Cichlidae

The tough version of the blue ram: it lives long in plain neutral water at 24-28 °C.

Illustration to come

G-01 / 23 · Bolivian Ram Mikrogeophagus altispinosus

SpecificationsFish atlas

Name: 玻利维亚凤凰
Scientific name: Mikrogeophagus altispinosus
Family: Cichlidae
Origin: Madeira river basin, Bolivia and Brazil
Adult size: 7–9 cm
Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Carnivore
Water level: Bottom
Level: Beginner
Min. tank: 80 L
Min. length: 70 cm
Plant safe: Leaves plants alone

Water requirementsFreshwater

Temp.24–28 °C

pH6–7.5

Hardness2–12 dGH

Units: temperature in °C, hardness in German degrees (dGH / dKH), marine salinity as specific gravity at 25 °C, volume in litres. These are the values recorded for the species and do not follow the site unit switcher.

Keeping notes

1Far tougher than the blue ram and thrives long term in neutral water at 24-28 °C.
2Sifts fine sand for food, so skip sharp gravel and provide wood and caves as territories.
3A pair is enough; mature males display at each other but rarely do real damage.
4Mainly carnivorous on bloodworm, brine shrimp and sinking pellets, with mid-water tetras as tankmates.

Frequently asked questions

How big does Bolivian Ram get?: Bolivian Ram reaches an adult standard length of 7–9 cm (excluding the caudal fin). Size the tank for that, not for the juvenile you bring home — the difference is often several times over, and upgrading later costs more than buying once.
What water does Bolivian Ram need?: 24–28 °C, pH 6–7.5, 2–12 dGH. That is only 4 °C wide, so stability matters more than hitting a particular number.
What is the smallest tank for Bolivian Ram?: At least 80 L, and no shorter than 70 cm. That is the floor for long-term keeping, not for short-term survival: volume buys water stability and length buys swimming room, and neither substitutes for the other. It is not a schooling fish, so a single specimen or a pair is fine.
What is Bolivian Ram like to keep?: Temperament: peaceful. Difficulty: beginner. It occupies the bottom and is carnivore. With plants it is "Leaves plants alone".