CICHLID – RAM BOLIVIAN / RUBY CLOWN
Mikrogeophagus altispinosus
$15.99 – $18.99
The Bolivian Ram is endemic to the upper rio Madeira basin in Bolivia and Brazil, however aquacultured rams are readily available from Asia. Both male and female Bolivian rams are colorful, though it is argued that males could potentially have more intense coloration. Because of this ambiguity, sexing male from female can be challenging at times but male Bolivian rams will absolutely have more pronounced dorsal and anal fins with a pointed edge. Even though Bolivian rams are cichlids, they are very peaceful (with the exception of territoriality during spawning) and are popular choices for planted and community aquariums. Either one Bolivian ram, or a male – female pair, is recommended per aquarium. Bolivian rams are a slightly hardier option compared to the German Blue Ram (M. ramirezi) for the less experienced hobbyist. An adult Bolivian ram can reach a size of approximately 3″.
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Live Plant Safe: Yes
General Description: The Bolivian Ram is endemic to the upper rio Madeira basin in Bolivia and Brazil, however aquacultured rams are readily available from Asia. Both male and female Bolivian rams are colorful, though it is argued that males could potentially have more intense coloration. Because of this ambiguity, sexing male from female can be challenging at times but male Bolivian rams will absolutely have more pronounced dorsal and anal fins with a pointed edge. Even though Bolivian rams are cichlids, they are very peaceful (with the exception of territoriality during spawning) and are popular choices for planted and community aquariums. Either one Bolivian ram, or a male – female pair, is recommended per aquarium. Bolivian rams are a slightly hardier option compared to the German Blue Ram (M. ramirezi) for the less experienced hobbyist. An adult Bolivian ram can reach a size of approximately 3″.
Diet Requirements: Bolivian rams are omnivores. A diet made up of various high quality vegetable based and protein based flake foods, sinking pellet foods and frozen foods such as bloodworms, spirulina brine shrimp, daphnia or other mixed freshwater preparations are ideal. Variety is the spice of life in order to maintain color, immune function and longevity of your fish.
Care Requirements: An extremely established minimum 20 to 30 gallon aquarium is ideal for a pair of Bolivian rams. Bolivian rams can be successfully kept in smaller aquariums, but this should only be attempted by the dedicated aquarist who can handle the difficulty of maintaining superb water parameters in less water volume. Bolivian rams should not be put into a biologically immature aquarium, and are intolerable of nitrite or ammonia spikes. Weekly water changes are encouraged to keep water parameters up to standard (Nitrates < 15 ppm). The aquarium should be aquascaped generously with rocks and other furnishings to create many hiding spaces. Few hiding spaces could result in your Bolivian ram acting more aggressively toward tank mates. Bolivian rams thrive especially well in dense live planted aquariums. Given their temperament, Bolivian rams rarely conflict with tank mates and are best kept with peaceful species, such as tetras, danios and rasboras that exploit other areas of the aquarium. Other semi-aggressive bottom dwelling species and dwarf cichlids, such as apistogrammas, should be avoided unless the aquarium is very large. Rams do not fair well with competition. Recommended water conditions, 78-82° F, KH 5-12, pH 6.0-7.0.
Purchase Size: Medium: 1-1/2”
Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.
Dry goods orders are shipped via US Postal Service or UPS to the address provided at checkout based on the selection made in your website shopping cart. Product is carefully packed to help prevent any damage during shipping. Once processed you will receive a shipment notification via email with tracking number, and delivery notification. Please allow 48 hours for processing after your order is placed.
Perishable items (i.e. live plants, refrigerated/frozen foods) are shipped via US Postal Service 2-3 day to the address provided at checkout for a $25.00 flat rate charge. Items are packed with secure packing material and heat, cold, or Cryo packs as needed to maintain safe temperatures during transit. If one or more perishable items are in the shopping cart at checkout the $25.00 perishable shipping charge will automatically appear and need to be selected. Once processed you will receive a shipment notification via email with tracking number. Please allow 48 hours for processing after your order is placed.
Livestock (i.e. fish, invertebrates, coral) are shipped via UPS Overnight to the address provided at checkout for a $55.00 flat rate charge. Livestock is packed in insulated styrofoam boxes with secure packing material and heat, cold, or Cryo packs as needed to maintain safe temperatures during transit. If one or more livestock items are in the shopping cart at checkout the $55.00 livestock shipping charge will automatically appear and need to be selected. Livestock is shipped Monday through Wednesday ONLY (no weekend delivery is available) weather permitting, and we reserve the right to delay shipping until conditions are appropriate for safe arrival. Once your order is placed we will contact you to arrange the best shipping date based on these criteria. Someone must be available to receive the livestock order on the first delivery attempt. Once processed you will receive a shipment notification via email with tracking number. Please allow 48 hours for processing after your order is placed.
For mixed dry goods/perishable & livestock orders items will be shipped via their corresponding shipping methods outlined above. Dry goods will be shipped via US Postal Service or UPS based on your selection and checkout, while livestock will ship via UPS Overnight for a $55.00 flat rate charge. You will receive separate notifications and tracking numbers for the dry goods and livestock. Please note due to different carriers and shipping methods dry goods and livestock may arrive on different days.