The Growth Of Bolivian Rams: Maximum Size Explained

Bolivian Rams, also known as Butterfly Rams, Ruby Cichlids, and Bolivian Butterfly Rams, are small, colourful fish that are a great addition to any community tank. They are peaceful and compatible with many different types of fish, and are especially good for beginners. But how big do they get?

Bolivian Rams are small, growing to a maximum of 8cm (3.1 inches)

Bolivian Rams are small, typically growing to a maximum size of 8cm (3.1 inches). Male Bolivian Rams tend to be slightly larger than females, with males reaching around 6cm (2.4 inches) and females around 5cm (2 inches). In some cases, males can grow to a length of 10cm (4 inches) and females to 5.5cm (2.2 inches).

The Bolivian Ram is a peaceful, colourful fish that is a popular addition to community aquariums. They are native to the freshwater systems of Brazil and Bolivia and are known for their hardy nature and ease of care. These fish are typically found in calm, shaded waters with sandy or muddy substrates.

In terms of appearance, Bolivian Rams have an elongated oval-shaped body with spiky ray-shaped fins and tails. Their body colour ranges from dull brown to grayish-blue, with a yellow belly. They have a distinctive black spot in the middle of their body and some may have a fine black line between their eyes. The fins and tails are orange along the edges.

Bolivian Rams are not picky eaters and will consume a variety of foods, including frozen, live, and artificial options. They are bottom feeders and will sift through the substrate in search of food.

When it comes to tank requirements, Bolivian Rams do not need a large tank. A minimum of 30 gallons is recommended for a single fish, with an additional 5-10 gallons for each additional Ram. They prefer well-planted tanks with open spaces for swimming and plenty of hiding places.

Overall, Bolivian Rams are small, peaceful fish that are well-suited for community aquariums and can be easily cared for by beginner fishkeepers.

They are peaceful and compatible with many fish, but smaller fish may be seen as prey

Bolivian Rams are peaceful and compatible with many fish, but smaller fish may be seen as prey. This is an important consideration when choosing tank mates for these fish. While Bolivian Rams are not aggressive like many other cichlids, they are still predatory and will eat smaller fish.

When selecting tank mates, it is crucial to consider the size of the other fish. Smaller, peaceful fish might be viewed as food, so it is recommended to stick to similarly-sized fish. Suitable tank mates for Bolivian Rams include other dwarf cichlids and peaceful species such as silver dollar fish, dwarf gouramis, rummy nose tetras, emperor tetras, corydoras catfish, guppies, platies, Odessa barbs, and tiger barbs.

In addition to fish, Bolivian Rams can also be kept with certain invertebrates. However, very small shrimp species, such as cherry shrimp, may be seen as prey. Larger shrimp species, such as ghost shrimp, Amano shrimp, and bamboo shrimp, are generally safe to keep with Bolivian Rams. Snails can also be kept safely with these fish and will be left untouched.

It is worth noting that while Bolivian Rams are peaceful and shy, they are still territorial and will defend their breeding area. During breeding, they may exhibit aggressive behaviour towards other fish that come too close to their eggs.

Overall, Bolivian Rams are well-suited for community aquariums and can get along with a wide range of non-aggressive fish of similar size. Their peaceful temperament makes them a popular choice for fish enthusiasts.

They are native to the freshwater systems of Brazil and Bolivia

The Bolivian Ram Cichlid, also known as the butterfly ram, Bolivian butterfly cichlid, and ruby cichlid, is native to the freshwater systems of Brazil and Bolivia. These fish are usually found in the shallow, slow-moving waters of streams, pools, and lagoons, often with dense vegetation and plenty of submerged branches and roots offering shelter and shade. The bottom of these bodies of water is typically sandy or muddy, and the water is slightly acidic.

The Amazon River Basin, which covers 66% of Bolivia's territory, is one of the main habitats of the Bolivian Ram Cichlid. This basin is prone to flooding due to its high water flow. The Bolivian Ram Cichlid can also be found in the closed (endorheic) basin, which covers 13% of the country's territory, and the Rio Plata Basin, which covers 21%.

In their natural habitat, Bolivian Ram Cichlids feed on riverbed detritus, such as plants and seeds, and small organisms. They have an interesting feeding behaviour, swimming in short bursts and then stopping suddenly to sift through the sediment without stirring it up too much.

Bolivian Ram Cichlids are peaceful fish, getting along well with other species in a community tank. They are also quite hardy and can tolerate a range of water conditions, although they thrive when their natural environment is replicated in captivity.

These fish are popular in the aquarium trade due to their striking colours, graceful swimming behaviour, and ease of care. They are a good choice for beginners and can live up to 4 years with proper care.

Overall, the Bolivian Ram Cichlid is a fascinating species that plays an important role in the freshwater ecosystems of Brazil and Bolivia.

They are omnivores and not fussy eaters

Bolivian Rams are omnivores and not fussy eaters. In the wild, they tend to sift through the substrate for plant material and small organisms. They will also feed on insects or plants at the water surface. They are bottom feeders, so pellets are a better option than flakes as they sink more easily.

In captivity, they do well on a diet of dry food. Sinking pellets are a good option, and their diet can be complemented with chopped-up earthworms and brine shrimp. They have hearty appetites and should be fed multiple times a day, keeping the meals small to avoid overfeeding and to maintain water quality.

Bolivian Rams are not picky and will eat almost anything offered to them. Their diet can include frozen and live food such as bloodworms, white worms, brine shrimps, daphnia, and tubifex, as well as artificial foods. They are not picky about their food and will eat anything from frozen to live food.

A mixed and varied diet, including pellets or flakes combined with meaty foods, helps them maintain a balanced diet and keeps their brightly coloured appearance healthy.

Bolivian Rams are not schooling fish but can be kept alone, in a pair, or in a group

Bolivian Rams are not schooling fish, but they do appreciate company. They can be kept alone, in a pair, or in a group.

If you are keeping a single Bolivian Ram, a 30-gallon tank is sufficient. However, if you plan to keep multiple Bolivian Rams, it is recommended to increase the tank size to provide ample space for them to swim and explore. A 55-gallon tank or larger is ideal for a group of these fish.

When setting up the tank, it is important to replicate their natural habitat. Bolivian Rams are native to the freshwater systems of Brazil and Bolivia, where they inhabit slow-moving waters with sandy or muddy bottoms. The tank should have fine sand as the substrate, with some pebbles and driftwood providing refuge and hiding places. Aquatic plants such as Java Fern, Amazon Sword, and Wisteria can be added to create a natural environment and provide shade.

Bolivian Rams are peaceful and shy, getting along well with other peaceful fish of similar size. They spend most of their time in the lower and middle parts of the tank and are not known to bother other fish. However, smaller fish may be viewed as prey, so it is important to choose tank mates of similar size.

Overall, Bolivian Rams are quite adaptable and can be kept alone or in groups, depending on your preference and tank size. They are peaceful and easy-going, making them a great addition to a community fish tank.

Frequently asked questions