The Best Places To Buy Bolivian Rams

Bolivian Rams, or Mikrogeophagus altispinosus, are a popular choice for aquarium enthusiasts due to their vibrant colours, small size, and peaceful temperament. They are native to the upper Rio Madeira basin in Bolivia and Brazil and are commercially bred worldwide. Bolivian Rams are a type of dwarf cichlid, and are known for their hardiness and ease of reproduction. They are typically compatible with other peaceful fish species, but can be territorial during spawning. The recommended tank size for this species is between 18 and 40 gallons, with a temperature range of 74°F - 82°F. Bolivian Rams can be purchased from various online retailers and specialty fish stores, with prices ranging from $9.00 to $16.99 per fish.

Online stores

There are several online stores that sell Bolivian Rams, a peaceful and colourful species of freshwater fish.

Aqua Imports, based in Boulder, Colorado, sells Bolivian Rams for $16.99 per fish. They offer free shipping on orders over $150.

Tampa Bay Cichlids also sells Bolivian Rams for $16.99 per fish. They offer free shipping on orders over $150 and provide free heat packs when necessary.

Aqua Huna sells Bolivian Rams for $9 per fish, with a regular price of $13. They ship live fish and offer a 100% live arrival guarantee. However, they only ship within the United States and do not ship to Hawaii or Washington State.

Flip Aquatics offers a 100% Live-Arrival Guarantee for their Bolivian Rams, priced at $9.99 each. They provide free 1-day shipping on orders over $300.

Lastly, Imperial Tropicals sells Bolivian Rams for $14.99 each. They provide premium next-day air shipping at affordable flat rates and offer a Healthy & Happy Arrival Guarantee.

When purchasing Bolivian Rams online, it is important to consider factors such as shipping costs, arrival guarantees, and the reputation of the seller.

Local pet stores

If you're looking to buy Bolivian Rams, your local pet store is a great place to start. Here are some tips to help you find a reputable store and ensure a smooth purchasing process:

Research Local Pet Stores

Start by searching for pet stores in your area that specialise in fish, particularly tropical fish. You can use online resources or simply ask fellow fish enthusiasts for recommendations. It's important to choose a store with knowledgeable staff who can provide guidance and answer any questions you may have about Bolivian Rams.

Inquire About Stock and Availability

Once you've identified a few potential stores, give them a call or visit their websites to inquire about their stock. Ask if they regularly keep Bolivian Rams in stock and whether they have any available at the moment. This will save you time and ensure the store can meet your specific needs.

Assess Store Reputation and Health Guarantees

When choosing a local pet store, it's essential to consider their reputation and how they guarantee the health of their fish. Look for stores that have positive reviews, especially from other Bolivian Ram buyers. Ensure the store offers a live arrival guarantee and has protocols in place to handle any issues that may arise after purchase.

Compare Pricing and Shipping Options

Prices for Bolivian Rams can vary between stores, so it's worth comparing pricing across different retailers. Additionally, inquire about shipping options and costs if you plan to have the fish delivered. Some stores may offer free shipping for orders above a certain amount, while others may have specific days for fish deliveries to ensure the safest transit conditions.

Ask About Care Requirements and Compatibility

When purchasing from a local pet store, take advantage of the opportunity to ask their staff about the care requirements of Bolivian Rams. Inquire about tank conditions, feeding habits, and any specific compatibility considerations if you plan to introduce them to an existing tank setup.

Inspect the Fish Before Purchase

When you visit the store, take the time to inspect the Bolivian Rams they have available. Look for signs of health and vitality, such as clear eyes, intact fins, and active swimming behaviour. Avoid fish that appear lethargic or show signs of disease, as this could indicate poor health or suboptimal care conditions.

By following these steps, you can confidently purchase Bolivian Rams from your local pet store, knowing that you're getting healthy fish from a reputable source. Remember to support local businesses and build a good relationship with the store staff, as they can be a valuable resource for your fishkeeping journey.

Fish importers

If you're looking to buy Bolivian Rams, there are a number of fish importers and sellers that stock them. Bolivian Rams are a popular choice for aquariums due to their colourful patterns, small size, and peaceful behaviour. They are also known as Butterfly Rams or Red Rams.

• Aqua Huna: The largest tropical fish importer and wholesaler in the Northwest. They ship live fish across the US, excluding Hawaii and Washington State. Their regular price is $13 per fish.
• Imperial Tropicals: This company has been shipping live fish for over 50 years. They offer premium next-day air shipping at affordable flat rates. The price for a Bolivian Ram is $14.99.
• Aquatic Arts: This seller ships live fish exclusively via UPS 1 Day Air to ensure the safety of the animals. They offer a group of 3 juvenile Bolivian Rams, with prices starting at $14.99.
• Tampa Bay Cichlids: This seller provides free shipping on orders over $150 and guarantees live arrival and good health for all fish shipped. The price for a Bolivian Ram is $16.99.
• Aqua Imports: This store is based in Boulder, CO, and offers a range of tropical fish, reptiles, and other aquatic life. They sell the Bolivian Ram, but the price is not listed.

When buying Bolivian Rams, it is important to consider the care and requirements of these fish. They are native to South America and prefer a tank with a sandy substrate, a temperature range of 74°F - 82°F, and a pH level between 6.0 and 7.8. They are generally peaceful fish but can be slightly territorial, especially during spawning.

Wholesalers

If you are a small business or an experienced hobbyist, you can buy Bolivian Rams from Aqua Huna, the largest tropical fish importer and wholesaler in the Northwest. Aqua Huna ships live fish across the United States (excluding Hawaii and Washington State) via USPS Priority, from Monday to Wednesday.

Aqua Imports, a shop based in Boulder, Colorado, also sells Bolivian Rams. They are open Monday to Saturday from 11 am to 6 pm, and on Sundays from 12 pm to 5 pm.

Imperial Tropicals is another wholesaler that sells Bolivian Rams. They have been in the business of packing and shipping live fish for over 50 years. They provide premium next-day air shipping at affordable flat rates to minimise transit time for the health of the fish.

Aquatic Arts also offers UPS 1 Day Air shipping for their live fish, exclusively within the United States. They have a stated handling time of 1 to 9 business days.

Breeders

If you want to breed Bolivian Rams, your first challenge is to acquire a compatible male/female pair. The best way to do this is to purchase a group of young fish and raise them together until they pair off naturally. This takes time and tank space but results in compatible pairs that stay mated as long as they are kept together.

It is difficult to sex Bolivian Rams as males and females are very similar in appearance. The only sure indicator is the female's development of an ovipositor when she is in a pre-spawn condition. Generally, but not always, males are slightly larger than females, males have slightly longer fins than females, and healthy females appear to be a bit 'heavier' in their bodies. These are subtle differences and are not always reliable.

If you cannot find a reputable breeder, you will have to try to select a pair from a pet store. Try to find a store that has a group in stock so you can watch their interactions and get clues as to which fish might make a compatible pair. Watch how the fish behave and note if any seem to work together to keep the others at bay. If so, it’s likely that they can be a compatible pair. You may even find an obvious pair that look like they want to spawn in the store. Sometimes, you can identify several compatible pairs in the same tank.

If you don’t find an obvious pair, you will have to observe their behaviour and appearance and try to pick one of each sex. Generally, if there is an obviously larger and more aggressive fish, it will be a male. Males tend to chase each other more aggressively than they chase females. However, females may squabble with each other pretty vigorously. If you see a few fish that display to each other but are ignored by the male, they are likely a group of females. These are subtle behaviours that are difficult to utilise without lots of hours of observation.

The bottom line is that you’ll need to take in every clue you can, including suggestions from the store staff (if you trust them), and pick out the pair you feel best about. Hopefully, they will turn out to be a pair, but if not, perhaps you can return one to trade for another. If you are pretty sure you have a pair but they don’t seem interested in spawning, you might need to give them more time. It’s not uncommon to wait a year for a spawn.

Frequently asked questions