Bolivian Rams And Their Love For Hiding Places

Bolivian Rams, also known as Bolivian Butterflies or Ruby Crown Cichlids, are a peaceful and colourful species of fish native to the Amazon River Basin. They are a popular choice for aquariums due to their vibrant colours and easy maintenance. In the wild, they prefer shallow and slow waters with plenty of hiding places such as rocks, driftwood, and plants. This is an important consideration for anyone looking to keep Bolivian Rams in captivity, as they will require ample hiding spots and natural decor to replicate their natural habitat.

Bolivian Rams like to hide in natural hiding spots such as rocks, driftwood, and plants

Bolivian Rams, or Bolivian Ram Cichlid (Mikrogeophagus altispinosus), are a peaceful freshwater fish species native to the rivers and streams of North and North-East Bolivia and the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso. They are commonly found in the upper Paraguay River basin and the Mamoré River system.

In the wild, Bolivian Rams prefer shallow and slow-moving waters with sandy or muddy bottoms and plenty of vegetation. They are known to seek out hiding spots, such as rocks, driftwood, and plants, to take cover from potential threats.

In an aquarium setting, it is essential to replicate their natural habitat as closely as possible. This includes providing a sandy substrate, introducing live plants of varying sizes, and creating hiding spots with rocks and driftwood. Bolivian Rams are known to sift through the substrate in search of food, so it is important to provide a sandy bottom for them to explore.

The recommended tank size for a pair of Bolivian Rams is at least 20 gallons, with larger tanks being preferable to provide more swimming space and allow for better territorial divisions. It is important to ensure that the tank has ample hiding spots and visual barriers to reduce aggression, especially during breeding or if the tank size is too small.

Overall, Bolivian Rams are peaceful and shy fish that make an excellent addition to a community tank. They are not known to be aggressive like many other cichlids and tend to swim in the middle to lower areas of the aquarium. Their unique swimming behaviour, where they swim in short bursts and then stop abruptly, is believed to be an adaptation to prevent them from stirring up the substrate while searching for food.

They are a peaceful community fish that can live with other non-aggressive species

Bolivian Rams are peaceful community fish that can live with other non-aggressive species. They are a great choice for a beginner's community tank. They are shy and won't hassle other fish or invertebrates in your tank. They are also not aggressive like many other cichlids.

Bolivian Rams are compatible with schools of small-sized Characidae species, which signal the absence of predators in the wild. They show no interest in other tank dwellers, so fish from almost any biotope can make good company for them.

• Neon Tetra
• Cardinal Tetra
• Glowlight Tetra
• Ember Tetra
• Black Neon Tetra
• Green Neon Tetra
• Rummy Nose Tetra
• Flame Tetra
• Cherry Barb
• Harlequin Rasbora
• Lambchop Rasbora
• Dwarf Pencilfish
• Glowlight Rasbora
• Celestial Pearl Danio
• Endler’s Livebearer
• Pygmy Hatchetfish
• Tiger Barb
• Rosy Barb
• Gold Barb
• Odessa Barb

It's important to note that while Bolivian Rams are generally peaceful, they can become territorial, especially during breeding or if the tank is too small. They will prey on juveniles, very small fish, and cherry shrimp, as it is their instinct. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid keeping them with very small or aggressive species.

Bolivian Rams are susceptible to common fish diseases like Ich or White Spot disease

Bolivian Rams (Mikrogeophagus altispinosus) are susceptible to common fish diseases like Ich or White Spot disease. Ich is caused by poor water conditions or an uninhabitable environment, and it can be treated by increasing the water temperature to 86 degrees Fahrenheit or using copper-based medications. It is important to quarantine sick fish to prevent the spread of Ich, which is highly contagious.

In addition to Ich, Bolivian Rams may also suffer from infections, parasites, and fungal growths, although these issues are less common. Maintaining good water quality and providing a healthy habitat are the most effective ways to prevent diseases in Bolivian Rams.

To create an ideal environment for Bolivian Rams, it is recommended to use a sandy substrate with larger pebbles and introduce live plants of varying sizes. Aquatic plants such as Java Fern, Amazon Swords, and Water Wisteria provide shelter and shade from light. Adding rocks and driftwood also creates hiding places and potential breeding grounds, as Bolivian Rams are territorial during spawning.

Bolivian Rams prefer warm, acidic water with moderate hardness and light flow. The recommended water temperature is 72 to 79 degrees Fahrenheit, with pH levels between 6.0 and 7.5, and water hardness of 0 to 10 dKH. Regular water changes and a standard filtration system are important to maintain optimal water conditions for Bolivian Rams.

Overall, Bolivian Rams are peaceful and territorial fish that require a well-maintained environment to thrive and avoid common diseases like Ich.

They are omnivores and will eat anything, including dry food, bloodworms, and brine shrimp

Bolivian Rams are omnivores and will eat almost anything. In the wild, they sift through the substrate for small organisms and plant material. In captivity, they can be fed dry food, such as sinking pellets, but this should be complemented with other foods such as chopped-up earthworms, brine shrimp, and bloodworms. Some Bolivian Ram owners also feed their fish flakes, algae wafers, and shrimp pellets.

It is recommended to feed these fish multiple times a day, keeping meals small to avoid overfeeding.

These fish are native to the rivers and streams of Bolivia and Brazil, preferring shallow and slow waters

The Bolivian Ram, also known as the Bolivian Butterfly or Ruby Crown Cichlid, is a species of freshwater fish native to the rivers and streams of Bolivia and Brazil. They are commonly found in the upper Paraguay River basin and the Mamoré River system.

Bolivian Rams dwell in river tributaries, backwaters, and lakes with sandy and muddy bottoms. They prefer shallow and slow waters with an abundance of snags and lush vegetation. These fish seek out areas with sandy or gravel substrates and plenty of hiding places, such as rocks, driftwood, and plants.

In the wild, Bolivian Rams feed on small organisms and plant material by sifting through the substrate. In captivity, they thrive on a diet of dry food, such as sinking pellets, and enjoy treats like chopped earthworms and brine shrimp.

When it comes to tank decor, it is essential to replicate their natural habitat. This includes using a sandy substrate, introducing live plants of varying sizes, and creating open spaces for them to swim freely. Providing hiding spots, such as caves, rocks, or driftwood, is crucial for their well-being and breeding behaviour.

Overall, the Bolivian Ram is a peaceful and captivating addition to any community tank, known for its vibrant colours and playful personality.

Frequently asked questions