Mouthbrooding: Bolivian Rams And Their Unique Maternal Instincts

Bolivian Rams, also known as Bolivian Butterflies, are a fascinating species of freshwater fish. They are native to the river basins of Bolivia and Brazil and are known for their colourful patterns and peaceful disposition. These fish are popular among aquarium enthusiasts due to their unique personalities and easy care requirements. While they are part of the Cichlid family, Bolivian Rams are much more docile than other Cichlid species. In this article, we will explore the breeding behaviour of Bolivian Rams and answer the question: do female Bolivian Rams keep their fry in their mouths?

Bolivian Ram Cichlid: The natural habitat and diet of these colourful fish

The Bolivian Ram Cichlid (Mikrogeophagus altispinosus) is a colourful freshwater fish native to the Amazon River Basin, found in Bolivia and Brazil. They are a peaceful species, making them a great addition to a community fish tank. Bolivian Rams are small, with an elongated oval-shaped body, typically reaching a length of around 3 to 4 inches as adults. They have a distinctive appearance, with a series of spiky ray-shaped fins and tails, and a parrot-like beak.

Natural Habitat

In their natural habitat, Bolivian Ram Cichlids inhabit a range of aquatic environments, including tributaries, marginal zones, U-shaped rivers, lakes, streams, pools, and lagoons. These environments are typically dense with vegetation, providing shaded areas and hiding places. The substrate in these areas usually consists of mud and sand, with slow-moving, slightly acidic water.

To replicate their natural habitat in an aquarium, it is recommended to use a sandy substrate with fine sand and some pebbles. The tank should also include rocks, driftwood, and live plants such as Java Fern, Amazon Sword, and Water Wisteria to provide hiding spots and shelter. Bolivian Rams prefer low lighting and weak water movement, with a water temperature between 72 to 79 degrees Fahrenheit and a pH level between 6.0 to 7.5.

Diet

Bolivian Ram Cichlids are omnivores, and they are not fussy eaters. In the wild, they sift through the substrate in search of small organisms and plant material. They also occasionally feed on insects or plants at the water surface. In captivity, they can be fed a variety of high-quality dry, frozen, and live meaty foods. A balanced diet that includes pellets or flakes, frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp and bloodworms, and fresh vegetables is recommended.

Bolivian Ram Cichlids should be fed small portions several times a day to mimic their natural feeding behaviour and maintain water quality. Overall, they are a colourful and peaceful fish that can thrive in a well-set-up aquarium, making them a popular choice for both beginners and experienced fish enthusiasts.

Breeding: How to breed Bolivian Rams, and what to expect

Bolivian Rams, or Bolivian Butterfly Rams, are a peaceful species of cichlid that can be bred in captivity. They are native to the river basins of Bolivia and Brazil and are found throughout the Amazon River. They are a relatively hardy species and can be kept with other peaceful, non-aggressive fish.

Tank Setup

Bolivian Rams require a minimum tank size of 29-30 gallons for a single fish, with an additional 5-10 gallons per additional fish. They are very active swimmers and require plenty of space to explore. The tank should replicate their natural habitat, with dense vegetation, roots, and submerged branches, and a sandy or muddy substrate. The water temperature should be maintained between 71-79°F, with a pH of 6.0-7.5 and a water hardness of 6-14 dGH. The filtration system should not generate a strong flow, as Bolivian Rams prefer minimal water movement.

Diet

Bolivian Rams are omnivores and will eat almost anything offered to them. In the wild, they feed on seeds, plants, small aquatic organisms, and detritus found in the substrate. In captivity, they can be fed a variety of foods, including pellets, live and frozen meaty foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and chopped earthworms. It is recommended to feed them multiple small portions throughout the day to satisfy their hearty appetites while avoiding overfeeding.

Breeding

To breed Bolivian Rams, it is best to start with a group of 4-8 juvenile fish and allow them to form natural pairs. The males and females will stick together once they have paired off. The paired fish can then be moved to a separate spacious tank of at least 50 gallons, with low lighting and a water temperature of 77-82°F. The tank should include plenty of shelter in the form of caves, plants, and large rocks or flat stones for spawning.

Once the conditions are favourable, the female will begin laying her eggs, typically 100-200 of them, in a straight row on the chosen spawning site. The male will then fertilise the eggs externally, and both parents will fan the eggs to keep them oxygenated and prevent fungal growth. The eggs will hatch within 60 hours, and the fry will be free-swimming within about a week. The parents will carefully relocate the fry to different parts of the tank, sometimes carrying them in their mouths, but not brooding them.

The fry can initially be fed Vinegar Eels or Shrimp Nauplii, and once they are around two months old, they can be offered the same diet as the adult fish. Regular water changes of around 30% are necessary to maintain low nitrate levels as the fry grow.

It is important to note that newly formed pairs may not successfully raise their first batch of fry. They may consume the eggs or fry, but with each subsequent spawning, they will learn from experience and become excellent parents.

Sexing: How to tell males and females apart

Bolivian Rams are sexually dimorphic, meaning there are some physical differences between males and females. Typically, females are slightly smaller than males, and males often have elongated filaments on their dorsal fins.

Males can measure up to 6 inches long, while females can be as small as 2 inches long. On average, males tend to be larger, with brighter colours and longer tail fins. Females, on the other hand, tend to have shorter and flatter tail fins.

The first few spikes on the dorsal fin of a male are usually longer than those of a female. Additionally, the female's vent is short and blunt, while the male's is long and pointed.

Tank Mates: What other species can share a tank with Bolivian Rams?

When choosing tank mates for your Bolivian Rams, it's important to select peaceful, similarly-sized fish that won't bully or be bullied. Here are some great options for species that can share a tank with Bolivian Rams:

Neon Tetra

With a size of 1.2–1.5 inches (3–4 cm), the Neon Tetra is a peaceful and colourful species that can coexist harmoniously with Bolivian Rams. They prefer to live in a shoal and get along well with others as long as their tank mates are not larger or aggressive.

Guppy Fish

Guppies are small, passive-natured fish that can live peacefully in a community tank with Bolivian Rams. They are active swimmers and compatible with Rams due to their similar temperaments. Guppies typically range from 0.6–2.4 inches (1.5–6 cm) in size.

Tiger Barb

The Tiger Barb is an active schooling fish that thrives in groups of six or more. While they can sometimes display aggression if their school is smaller, they can coexist calmly with Bolivian Rams as long as there are several in the tank.

Rummy Nose Tetra

Rummy Nose Tetras are peaceful fish that get along well with Bolivian Rams due to their similar size and non-aggressive behaviours. They are identified by their bright red heads and slender bodies, typically growing to a maximum size of 1.5 inches (4 cm).

Platyfish

Platyfish are not usually aggressive and make excellent tank mates for Bolivian Rams due to their size and temperament. They are active swimmers that spend time in small groups and are often found in schools of three to six. Platyfish typically require a tank size of at least 50 gallons to ensure they have enough space to swim.

Molly Fish

Originating in Central and South America, Molly Fish are calm and peaceful by nature. They typically grow to a size of 2-4 inches and are excellent tank cleaners as they love to eat all kinds of algae. Molly Fish are omnivores and will occasionally eat insects and worms in addition to algae.

Corydoras Catfish

Corydoras Catfish are small, peaceful fish with fascinating patterns on their skin. They typically grow to a size of 1 to 3 inches and are enjoyable to watch as they swim around the tank. Pygmy Cory or Dwarf Cory are excellent choices as they are also peaceful and have little to no temperament.

Dwarf Gouramis

Dwarf Gouramis are great communal fish that thrive in tanks with Bolivian Rams. They typically grow to around 3.5 inches in size and have a peaceful temperament. Dwarf Gouramis tend to stay close to the top of the tank, while Rams are bottom feeders, so they won't compete for space.

Silver Dollar Fish

Silver Dollar Fish are beautiful and unique, with their shiny silver skin. They can grow to a size of around 6 inches and require a tank of at least 75 gallons. They are peaceful as long as there is enough food, and they can be kept with any species that won't fit them into their mouths.

Celestial Pearl Danio

The Celestial Pearl Danio is a shy and peaceful fish that can coexist well with Bolivian Rams. They have unique bodies full of pearlescent pearl-like dots, and males have a distinctive red stripe. They typically grow to around 1.5 inches in size.

Otocinclus Catfish

Otocinclus Catfish, or "Oto" for short, are excellent tank cleaners and can peacefully coexist with Bolivian Rams, even the babies. They typically grow to a size of 2 inches and enjoy swimming through plants and driftwood, so it's important to provide them with plenty of hiding spots.

Health: Common diseases and how to treat them

Bolivian Rams are susceptible to several diseases, just like any other fish. While they are hardy and disease-resistant, an unclean or poorly oxygenated aquarium can make them fall sick. Here are some common diseases that affect Bolivian Rams and how to treat them:

Ich (White Spot Disease)

Ich is a common ailment caused by a parasite called Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, which exists in most fish tanks. The disease causes small, white spots on the gills, skin, and fins of the infected fish, resembling a sprinkling of salt. Severely affected fish may struggle to breathe, become lethargic, and lose their appetite.

To treat Ich, you can use commercially available treatments such as API Liquid Super Ick Cure. Remove activated carbon from the filter, and add 1 teaspoon of the medication for every 5 gallons of water. Repeat the dose after 48 hours and then change 25% of the water. Increasing the water temperature to 82°F can also help, as it speeds up the parasite's life cycle.

Hole-in-the-head Disease (Hexamitiasis)

This disease is characterised by small holes on the body of the fish, especially near the head, which eventually turn into tubular eruptions. It is believed to be caused by flagellate protozoans (Hexamita or Sprionucleus).

To treat this disease, you can use medicated fish food or add the drug metronidazole directly to the tank. Follow the directions closely to ensure correct dosage. Quarantining new fish and maintaining good water quality can help prevent this disease.

Dropsy

Dropsy causes a swollen belly and protruding scales, ulcers, and reddening at the base of the fins or vent. It can be caused by viral and bacterial infections, parasites, poor water conditions, stress, improper nutrition, or overcrowding.

To treat Dropsy, remove the affected fish to a separate tank with excellent water quality and provide nutritious food. Treat the aquarium with an antibacterial such as API PIMAFIX Antifungal. Adding salt to the water can also help, but be careful not to add too much, especially if you have live plants.

Fin Rot

Fin Rot affects the fins and tail of the fish, causing them to become frayed, ragged, or discoloured. It is usually caused by bacterial infections, although fungal infections can also be a factor. Poor water quality, overcrowding, and stress can contribute to the development of Fin Rot.

To treat Fin Rot, address the underlying causes and improve water quality. Medications designed to treat bacterial or fungal infections can be used. Monitor the fish's progress closely, and consult a veterinarian if the condition does not improve.

Physical Damage

Physical damage can include open wounds, split or damaged fins, and loss of scales or eyes. It is often caused by aggressive fish that attack their tank mates or by handling the fish roughly.

To treat physical damage, move the injured fish to a separate tank and treat with an antibacterial. Adding salt to the water can also aid in healing wounds. It is important to identify and remove the cause of the damage to prevent further injuries.

Frequently asked questions