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.
