Buying Bolivian Rams: How Much Do They Cost?

Bolivian Rams are a beautiful and peaceful species of fish that are perfect for aquariums. They are native to the freshwater systems of Bolivia and Brazil and are known for their vibrant colours and peaceful nature. These fish are a great addition to aquariums and are compatible with many other species. In this article, we will discuss the cost of Bolivian Rams and provide a guide on how to care for them. So, how much do these fish cost?

Bolivian Ram Cichlid: Care, Tank Mates, Diet & More

The Bolivian Ram Cichlid, also known as the Ruby Crown Cichlid or the Bolivian Butterfly, is a captivating freshwater fish native to the rivers of Bolivia and Brazil. With its bright colours and peaceful temperament, it makes for a great addition to any community tank.

Care

To care for your Bolivian Ram Cichlid, you should aim to replicate their natural habitat as closely as possible. This means providing a tank of at least 20 gallons for a small group, but preferably 30 gallons or more for larger communities. The water temperature should be maintained between 72 and 79 degrees Fahrenheit, with pH levels between 6.0 and 7.5 (ideally around 6.5). Water hardness should be kept between 0 and 10 dKH. Regularly monitor the water conditions and perform partial water changes to maintain optimal water quality.

In terms of tank decor, natural items are best. Start with a sandy substrate, as Bolivian Rams like to sift through the sand for food. You can also add larger pebbles for variety. Introduce live plants of varying sizes, such as Java Fern, Amazon Swords, and Water Wisteria, to provide shelter and shade. Include rocks and driftwood, which serve as resting spots and breeding grounds. Create caves with the rocks, or use faux rock decor, to provide hiding places and safe spaces for laying eggs. Ensure there are large open spaces in the centre of the tank for your fish to swim freely.

Use a standard filtration system, such as a canister or hang-on-back model, ensuring it is powerful enough to maintain water quality. Avoid creating too much flow, as Bolivian Rams prefer light water movement. The same goes for lighting—avoid using powerful lights without providing ample shading.

Tank Mates

Bolivian Rams are peaceful fish that can coexist with other calm species. Avoid housing them with aggressive, fin-nipping, or predatory fish. Suitable tank mates include Silver Dollar Fish, Tetras, Loaches, Catfish (such as Corydoras), and Gourami (choose a similar-sized species). Keep in mind that size compatibility is crucial—smaller peaceful fish may be viewed as food.

Diet

Bolivian Rams are omnivores and will eat just about anything. In the wild, they sift through the substrate for small organisms and plant material. In captivity, they do well on a diet of sinking pellets, as they tend to stay at the bottom and middle of the aquarium. You can also offer chopped-up earthworms, brine shrimp, and bloodworms. Feed them multiple times a day, but keep portions small to prevent overfeeding and maintain water quality.

General Behaviour

Bolivian Rams are peaceful and friendly, making them ideal for community aquariums. They are not a shoaling species but do appreciate the company of others. They are most likely to show aggression during breeding, typically towards fish that venture too close to their breeding area. Throughout the day, they will swim around open spaces and explore hiding spots, occasionally searching for food by darting through the water in short bursts.

Breeding

Breeding Bolivian Rams is a straightforward process, but they require ample space to do so successfully. While you don't need to separate them from other fish, it is recommended to prevent aggressive behaviour and increase the survival rate of the fry.

The female will lay her eggs on a flat rock or in a cave, which the male will then fertilise. Both parents will guard the eggs, and in about 2 to 3 days, the eggs will hatch. The parents are protective of their young, even going so far as to camouflage them or carry them in their mouths to other areas of the tank. Feed the fry baby brine shrimp, and after about a week, they will be able to swim freely. At around 2 months old, they can be fed standard dry food.

Cost

The cost of Bolivian Ram Cichlid fish was not found. However, they are known to be a popular choice for aquarium enthusiasts due to their vibrant colours, small size, and interesting personalities.

Bolivian Ram Cichlid: Size, Behaviour, and Appearance

The Bolivian Ram Cichlid (Mikrogeophagus altispinosus) is a captivating and peaceful freshwater fish that is a beautiful addition to any community tank. It is a popular choice for both novice and experienced aquarists due to its gentle and intelligent personality.

Size

Bolivian Rams are small fish, with an elongated oval-shaped body and long pointed tails and fins. They typically grow to a length of around 3 inches when fully mature, with males slightly larger than females. The recommended tank size for a small group of these fish is around 20 gallons, but a larger tank of 30 gallons or more is ideal to allow them ample space to swim and explore.

Behaviour

Bolivian Rams are known for their peaceful temperament and get along well with other non-aggressive fish species. They are shy and won't hassle other fish or invertebrates in the tank. They are not natural schooling fish but do well in small groups, pairs, or on their own. They are also easy to breed in captivity, making them an excellent choice for hobbyists.

The only time they may display aggression is during breeding. The male and female will guard their chosen breeding area and may become aggressive towards fish that come too close.

Appearance

Bolivian Rams have an elegant and colourful appearance. Their body colour ranges from light brown, tan, or silver to greyish-blue or drab brown, with a yellow belly. They have a distinctive black spot in the centre of their body and a black line running from the top of the eye to the bottom of the head. The fins display bright hues of orange or red, with reddish highlights on the dorsal and caudal fins and pearly turquoise-blue on the pelvic and anal fins.

Males and females have the same colouration, but males are generally larger with more elongated fins and more vivid colouration.

Bolivian Ram Cichlid: Health Risks and Diseases

The Bolivian Ram Cichlid, also known as the Butterfly Ram and Ruby Crown Cichlid, is a peaceful and mellow fish species that is susceptible to various diseases, just like any other fish. While they are not at high risk for any major health issues, common ailments can affect their well-being if left untreated. Here are some of the health risks and diseases to watch out for in your Bolivian Ram Cichlid:

• Ich (White Spot Disease): Ich is a common disease caused by the parasitic protozoan Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, which is often found in aquariums. It results in white spots on the fish's body and fins, increased scratching, rapid breathing, and loss of appetite. Ich is typically a byproduct of stress, poor water conditions, or an uninhabitable environment.
• Fin Rot: Fin Rot is a bacterial or fungal infection that affects the fins and tail of the fish, causing fraying, raggedness, or discolouration. Poor water quality, overcrowding, and stress are contributing factors to this condition.
• Swim Bladder Disorder: This condition affects the swim bladder, making it difficult for the fish to maintain balance and swim properly. Overfeeding, poor diet, genetic predisposition, and bacterial or parasitic infections are possible causes of Swim Bladder Disorder.
• Bacterial Infections: When the immune system is weakened due to stress or poor water conditions, bacteria can infect the fish, leading to health issues.
• Parasitic Infections: In addition to Ich, other parasitic infections can occur, especially when fish are stressed or housed in poor water conditions.

To prevent and treat these health issues, it is crucial to maintain optimal water quality, provide a stress-free environment, and ensure proper nutrition for your Bolivian Ram Cichlid. Quarantining new fish before introducing them to the tank can also help identify and treat potential diseases or parasites.

Bolivian Ram Cichlid: Breeding and Reproduction

Bolivian Ram Cichlid, also known as the Ruby Crown Cichlid, is a beautiful, mellow, and easy-to-care-for freshwater fish. They are a peaceful species that can get along with other community tank members without any issues. They are endemic to parts of the Amazon River Basin, mainly in Bolivia, and also inhabit fresh bodies of water throughout Brazil.

Breeding and Reproduction

Breeding Bolivian Rams is a straightforward process, but it requires a lot of space. They are more likely to breed if they have a very large tank with plenty of room to move around. It is recommended to separate them from other fish during the breeding process to prevent aggressive behaviour and increase the survival rate of the fry.

Bolivian Rams are egg-layers and exhibit some unique behaviours during the breeding process. It is best to place a bonded pair into a large tank. If you don't have a bonded pair, you can get a large group of juvenile fish and let them pair off naturally. The male and female will stick together once they have formed a pair.

The female fish will usually start the breeding process by looking for a nice flat rock or cave to lay her eggs. The male will then fertilise the eggs externally, and both fish will guard the area. In about 2-3 days, the eggs will hatch, and the parents will be very protective of the baby fish. They may even attempt to camouflage them!

You can feed the fry baby brine shrimp, and after about a week, they will be able to swim freely. At this point, the parents will lead the fry in large groups to find food. When the fry are about two months old, they will be big enough to feed with standard dry food.

To increase the likelihood of successful breeding, it is recommended to house Bolivian Rams in a separate, dedicated aquarium with no other fish present. Maintaining a strict maintenance regime and providing a high-quality diet are essential to initiating the spawning process. It is often easier to allow pairs to form naturally in groups of young fish, as it can be challenging to differentiate between male and female adult fish.

During courtship, the male performs various body actions and prepares shallow pits as spawning sites, which last for about 48 hours. Spawning occurs when the female lays one or more rows of eggs, which the male then fertilises, repeating the process several times. Although inexperienced pairs may consume their brood initially, they will learn to care for their fry after a few attempts.

After an incubation period of approximately 2-3 days, the fry remain immobile for another 5-8 days and do not require supplementary food. Once they become free-swimming, they can be fed microworms and Artemia nauplii.

Tank Setup and Maintenance

When setting up a tank for Bolivian Rams, it is important to replicate their natural habitat as closely as possible. In nature, they inhabit lagoons, pools, and streams with dense vegetation, submerged roots, and branches. The substrate is usually muddy and sandy, with plenty of organic matter and tiny crustaceans.

The minimum recommended tank size for a single Bolivian Ram is 30 gallons, and you should allow for an additional 5-10 gallons for each additional fish. The tank should have a sandy substrate, dense plant groups, and plenty of open swimming space. It is also important to include caves for hiding and stones for spawning.

Water Conditions

Bolivian Rams prefer slightly acidic water with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5 and a water temperature between 72 and 79 degrees Fahrenheit. The water hardness should be between 0 and 10 dKH, and peat should be added to the water. It is crucial to maintain pristine water quality and perform frequent water changes to keep their environment clean and healthy.

Bolivian Ram Cichlid: Community Tank Setup

The Bolivian Ram Cichlid, also known as the Bolivian Butterfly or Ruby Crown Cichlid, is a peaceful and colourful freshwater fish that is perfect for a community tank. They are a great choice for beginners as they are easy to care for, mellow, and have beautiful, unique personalities.

Tank Size and Setup

Bolivian Ram Cichlids are active swimmers and do best in a spacious tank. The recommended minimum tank size is 30 gallons for a single fish, with an additional 5-10 gallons for each additional fish. If you plan to keep a group of 4-8 Bolivian Ram Cichlids, which is ideal, consider a 50-gallon tank or larger.

To replicate their natural habitat, use a sandy substrate with some larger pebbles and rocks. Bolivian Ram Cichlids like to sift through the sand for food, so create some open sandy areas. They also enjoy exploring hiding spaces, so include some caves, smooth rocks, and driftwood.

As for plants, go for live plants of varying sizes, such as Java Fern, Amazon Sword, Water Wisteria, and Cryptocoryne. Floating plants can also provide shaded areas and reduced lighting.

Water Conditions

Bolivian Ram Cichlids prefer warm, slightly acidic water with a temperature between 72-79 degrees Fahrenheit and a pH level between 6.0-7.5. The water hardness should be between 0-15 dKH, and the water flow should be low.

It is important to maintain stable water conditions and perform regular water changes to keep the water clean and remove nitrates, which can be toxic to these fish.

Tank Mates

When choosing tank mates for your Bolivian Ram Cichlids, consider peaceful fish of similar size. Smaller fish may be viewed as prey, so avoid tiny, aggressive fish. Good tank mates include:

• Barbs (Tiger, Cherry, or Odessa)
• Celestial Pearl Danios
• Other dwarf cichlids
• Tetras (Neon, Emperor, or Rummy Nose)
• Guppies
• Corydoras Catfish
• Plecostomus
• Odessa Barbs
• Tiger Barbs

In terms of invertebrates, stick to larger freshwater shrimp species, such as Amano shrimp, Ghost shrimp, and Bamboo shrimp. Snails can also be kept safely with Bolivian Ram Cichlids.

Feeding

Bolivian Ram Cichlids are omnivores and will eat almost anything. In the wild, they sift through the substrate for small organisms and plant material. In captivity, offer them a varied diet of sinking pellets, live or frozen meaty foods (bloodworms, brine shrimp, tubifex, or daphnia), and chopped earthworms. Feed them small portions multiple times a day to prevent overfeeding and maintain good water quality.

Frequently asked questions