Bolivian Ram care

Mikrogeophagus altispinosus · Freshwater · Intermediate level care

A hardier, cooler water relative of the German blue ram.

Smallest tank40 gallons

Adult size3.5 inches

Temperature75 to 80°F

pH6 to 7.5

GroupA group of 2 or more

TemperamentPeaceful

SwimsBottom of the tank

Lives4 to 5 years

Watch for: Males can be pushy with each other, so give hiding spots.

Feeding

Twice a day. A small pinch they finish in about 2 minutes. Small pellets, frozen foods, flakes.

Claims a territory and guards it.

Fish that pass every check with Bolivian Ram in a 80 gallon tank: same water, overlapping temperature, nobody gets eaten and no bullies.

Tinfoil Barb: Tinfoil Barb grows big enough to eat Bolivian Ram.
White Cloud Mountain Minnow: White Cloud Mountain Minnow and Bolivian Ram need different water temperatures.
Discus: Discus and Bolivian Ram need different water temperatures.
Convict Cichlid: Convict Cichlid is aggressive and will bully peaceful Bolivian Ram.
Oscar: Oscar grows big enough to eat Bolivian Ram.
Jack Dempsey: Jack Dempsey is aggressive and will bully peaceful Bolivian Ram.
Green Terror: Green Terror grows big enough to eat Bolivian Ram.
Red Zebra Cichlid: Red Zebra Cichlid is aggressive and will bully peaceful Bolivian Ram.

What size tank does a Bolivian Ram need?

At least 40 gallons for a group of 2. Adults grow to about 3.5 inches, so plan for the adult size, not the size at the store.

What temperature does a Bolivian Ram like?

75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, with a pH of about 6 to 7.5. A steady temperature matters more than hitting one exact number.

How many Bolivian Ram should I keep together?

Keep 2 or more. They feel safe in a group and show better color and behavior.

What do Bolivian Ram eat?

Small pellets, frozen foods, flakes. Feed twice a day: a small pinch they finish in about 2 minutes.

Checked against these sources on 2026-11-10. When sources disagree we use the safer number.