Name: Bolivian Dwarf Ram
Brand: Brooklands
SKU: 16455
Price: 24.95 NZD
Availability: OutOfStock

Bolivian Dwarf Ram (Mikrogeophagus altispinosus)

In-store pickup only; sorry no delivery

Overview

The Bolivian Dwarf Ram, also known as the Bolivian Butterfly Cichlid, is a charming and resilient dwarf cichlid favored by aquarists of all experience levels. Unlike many of its colorful tropical relatives, it offers an appealing blend of subtle beauty—featuring delicate golden-brown hues, striking black accents, and red-tipped fins—alongside a remarkably hardy nature. They are active substrate-dwellers that spend much of their time sifting through fine sand in search of food.

Origins

Native to South America, the Bolivian Ram originates from the soft, slow-moving river basins of Bolivia and Brazil, specifically within the Amazon and Madeira River basins. They naturally inhabit warm, shallow waters filled with dense vegetation, fallen branches, and soft, sandy riverbeds.

Personality

Extremely peaceful for a cichlid, the Bolivian Ram is a mild-mannered and social bottom-dweller. They exhibit curious, engaging behavior, often interacting with their environment and observing activity outside the tank. While males can display mild territorial behavior towards one another during spawning, they are generally non-aggressive toward other tank mates and make fantastic community inhabitants.

Quick Stats & Care

Care Level: Easy to Intermediate

Temperament: Peaceful

Diet: Omnivore (prefers high-quality sinking pellets, micro-granules, frozen bloodworms, and brine shrimp)

Max Size: 8 cm

Family: Cichlidae

Tank Size: Minimum 75 litres for a pair

Temperature: 23°C – 26°C

pH: 6.0 – 7.5

Group Requirements: Yes, best kept in groups of 4 to 6 juveniles to allow them to pair off naturally, or kept as a compatible male-female pair.

Bolivian Dwarf Ram