Bolivian Ram Cichlid

Mikrogeophagus altispinosus

Bolivian Ram Cichlid is a peaceful bottom-to-middle swimmer. Solitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional context.

PeacefulBottom to middle swimmerSolitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional contextBeginner – Intermediate

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Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 4" (≤ 10.2 cm)
Aquarium size: 21 US gal (80 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length
Care level: Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Bottom to middle swimmer
Temperature: 73–79°F (23–26°C)
pH: 6.5–7.5
GH: 8–12 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 4 years
Group behavior: Solitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional context

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 4 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 21 US gal (80 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 23–26 °C, pH 6.5–7.5, GH 8–12 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Bolivian Ram Cichlid is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the lower to middle part of the aquarium, so leave enough open substrate area for movement and feeding.

Feeding

As an omnivore, Bolivian Ram Cichlid should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Provide tiny sinking food plus live/frozen invertebrates; ensure individuals get food despite competitive tankmates.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 21 US gal (80 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Solitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional context.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

African Butterfly Cichlid Anomalochromis thomasi Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 73–81°F (23–27°C) Allpahuayo Dwarf Cichlid Apistogramma allpahuayo Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm) 75–82°F (24–28°C) Altifron Eartheater Geophagus altifrons Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate ≤ 8.9" (≤ 22.5 cm) 79–90°F (26–32°C) Blue Neon Cichlid Paracyprichromis nigripinnis Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate ≤ 4.3" (≤ 11 cm) 75–81°F (24–27°C) Blue Panda Apistogramma Apistogramma panduro Same family Similar care level Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3" (≤ 7.5 cm) 72–84°F (22–29°C) Banded Apistogramma Apistogramma bitaeniata Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3" (≤ 7.5 cm) 72–84°F (22–29°C)

FAQ

How large does Bolivian Ram Cichlid get?

Bolivian Ram Cichlid reaches ≤ 4" (≤ 10.2 cm).

What aquarium size does Bolivian Ram Cichlid need?

Use an aquarium of at least 21 US gal (80 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length.

Is Bolivian Ram Cichlid peaceful?

Yes. Bolivian Ram Cichlid is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for Bolivian Ram Cichlid?

Keep it between 23 to 26 °C.

Should Bolivian Ram Cichlid be kept alone or in a group?

Bolivian Ram Cichlid: Solitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional context.