The Ultimate Guide To Feeding Bolivian Rams

Bolivian Rams, also known as Bolivian Butterflies or Ruby Crown Cichlids, are a peaceful freshwater fish species that can be kept by aquarists of all experience levels. In the wild, they feed by sifting through the substrate, so in captivity, they should be fed sinking pellets or bloodworms, brine shrimp, and chopped-up earthworms. They are omnivores and will eat almost anything, but it's important to feed them multiple times a day in small portions to avoid overfeeding.

Bolivian Rams are omnivores and will eat plant matter and small invertebrates

In captivity, they do well on a diet of sinking pellets, like shrimp pellets, or pellets designed for corydoras catfish and loaches. They will also eat flakes, but these are best avoided as they tend to be ignored by Bolivian Rams. Owners should also be aware that freeze-dried foods can cause bloat and internal issues.

Bolivian Rams will also eat frozen or live foods, like bloodworms, blackworms, daphnia, and brine shrimp. Owners can also supplement their fish's diet with vegetables, like spirulina flakes or pellets, or even live plants in the tank, like Java Fern, Amazon Swords, and Water Wisteria.

It is recommended that Bolivian Rams are fed multiple times a day, but that the meals are kept small to avoid overfeeding.

They sift through the substrate for food, so food that sinks is best

Bolivian Rams are substrate feeders, meaning they sift through the substrate in search of food. In the wild, they feed on small organisms and plant matter found in the substrate. In captivity, they can be fed sinking pellets, which they can sift out of the substrate.

It is important to provide the correct substrate for Bolivian Rams. They should be provided with a sand or small grain substrate, as they are likely to ingest it while feeding. Gravel or pebbles can cause injury or even kill them if ingested. Smooth sand is the best option, as it won't damage their gills.

Some recommended sinking foods for Bolivian Rams include:

• Cichlid pellets
• Cichlid flakes
• Cichlid tabs
• Shrimp pellets
• Brine shrimp
• Bloodworms
• Blackworms
• Daphnia
• Spirulina flakes
• Earthworms
• Omega One Veggie Rounds
• Hikari Micro Pellets

It is also important to note that Bolivian Rams have hearty appetites and should be fed multiple small meals throughout the day to avoid overfeeding.

They can be fed frozen or live food, such as bloodworms, blackworms, daphnia, and brine shrimp

When it comes to feeding Bolivian Rams, it's important to note that they are omnivores and primarily consume plant matter and small invertebrates in their natural habitat. In the wild, they feed by sifting through the substrate of rivers, streams, and ponds, expelling mouthfuls of substrate through their mouths or gills afterward. This behaviour can often be observed in home aquariums as well.

While Bolivian Rams will eat directly from the surface and typically accept prepared fish foods, such as Hikari Micro Pellets, it's important to supplement their diet with frozen or live food. Some of their favourite food options include:

Bloodworms

Bloodworms are a great option for feeding Bolivian Rams. In fact, some owners have noticed their fish aggressively eating frozen bloodworms. However, it's important not to feed them bloodworms exclusively, as it may cause digestive issues.

Blackworms

Blackworms are another type of worm that Bolivian Rams enjoy eating. They can be offered as a supplement to their regular diet or as a treat.

Daphnia

Daphnia, also known as water fleas, are small crustaceans that make a nutritious meal for Bolivian Rams. They are a good source of protein and can be fed frozen or live.

Brine Shrimp

Brine shrimp is a favourite food of Bolivian Rams. They are small, aquatic crustaceans that can be fed to the fish frozen or live. Some owners have noted that their Bolivian Rams will ignore flake food if they are given the option of brine shrimp, so it's important to ensure your fish is getting a balanced diet.

They will also eat prepared fish food, such as pellets

Bolivian Rams are omnivores and will eat a wide variety of foods. In the wild, they sift through the substrate in search of small organisms and plant material. In captivity, they can be fed a diet of dry food, such as sinking pellets.

When it comes to prepared fish food, there are a few options to choose from. One popular choice is Hikari Micro Pellets, which Bolivian Rams will eagerly eat. Other options include shrimp pellets, such as Omega One shrimp pellets, or Nutrafin tabs with earthworm meal. For a vegetable option, Omega One Veggie Rounds are a good choice. These prepared foods are excellent for Bolivian Rams because they sink, allowing the fish to feed from the substrate as they would in the wild.

In addition to prepared fish food, it is important to supplement their diet with frozen or live foods. Some of their favourites include bloodworms, blackworms, daphnia, and brine shrimp.

When feeding Bolivian Rams, it is important to offer small meals multiple times throughout the day to avoid overfeeding. It is also crucial to maintain excellent water quality, as they are sensitive to high nitrate levels.

Their diet should be varied and they should be fed multiple times a day

Bolivian Rams are omnivores and have varied diets. In the wild, they feed on small organisms and plant material found in the substrate. In captivity, they can be fed a variety of dry and frozen foods.

It is recommended to feed them multiple times a day, keeping the meals small to avoid overfeeding. They have hearty appetites and will eat anything from frozen bloodworms to cichlid pellets and flakes. Some fish keepers also recommend feeding them sinking pellets as they tend to feed from the substrate.

It is also important to note that Bolivian Rams are susceptible to bloating and internal issues if fed freeze-dried foods, so it is best to stick to prepared foods like flakes and pellets. Frozen foods like bloodworms can be given as treats but should not be fed more than once a week.

A well-balanced diet for Bolivian Rams should include a variety of foods such as:

• Frozen or live brine shrimp
• Bloodworms
• Blackworms
• Daphnia
• Spirulina flakes
• Cichlid flakes
• Cichlid pellets
• Sinking pellets
• Chopped-up earthworms

Frequently asked questions