Bolivian Rams: Tank Cycle Survival Guide

Bolivian Rams, also known as Mikrogeophagus altispinosus, are a captivating freshwater fish species native to the rivers of Bolivia and Brazil. They are a popular choice for aquarium enthusiasts due to their striking colours, calm temperament, and ease of care. While they are generally peaceful, they can become territorial during breeding and may need a separate tank to ensure the safety of their young.

Bolivian Rams thrive in warm, soft, acidic waters and require pristine water conditions. They grow to a maximum size of 3 inches and have a lifespan of around 4 years. These fish are omnivores and will eat almost anything, from bloodworms to fish food pellets.

When it comes to tank setup, it is important to replicate their natural habitat as closely as possible. This means providing a sandy substrate, driftwood, caves, flat rocks, and plants to create a well-structured environment. They prefer slow-moving waters and ample hiding spots, which can be achieved through dense vegetation and rocks.

In terms of water parameters, Bolivian Rams require a pH of 6.0-7.5 and a temperature range of 73.4-82.4°F. Their tank should be at least 20 gallons for a pair, with more space provided for larger groups. Regular water changes and proper filtration are crucial to maintaining the health of these fish.

Overall, Bolivian Rams are a resilient and captivating species that can be a great addition to a community tank if their specific needs are met.

Water parameters

Bolivian Rams are native to Bolivia and Brazil, where they inhabit shallow, sandy ponds with a temperature of around 27°C (81°F), a pH of 7 to 7.6, and a carbonate hardness below 100 mg/l.

In captivity, the water parameters for Bolivian Rams should be as follows:

• Water temperature: 72 to 79 degrees Fahrenheit (some sources say 73.4 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit)
• PH levels: 6.0 to 7.5 (around 6.5 is ideal)
• Water hardness: 0 to 10 dKH (some sources say 6 to 14 dGH, with 10 dGH being the safest)
• Water flow: light, as they prefer calm waters

It is important to maintain good water quality and replicate their natural habitat as closely as possible. Regular water changes of 20-25% are recommended to keep nitrate levels low, as Bolivian Rams are sensitive to high nitrate concentrations.

In terms of aquarium decor, a sandy substrate with larger pebbles or stones is ideal. They will dig in the sand but won't disturb it too much. Natural vegetation, such as Amazon Swords and Marimo Moss Balls, is also beneficial, as it provides shade and protection.

Bolivian Rams require a well-oxygenated environment, so a filtration system is necessary. However, they prefer peaceful rivers, so a baffle can be used to reduce the filter's water flow.

Regarding lighting, these fish spend a lot of time in dark spots in their natural habitat, so adjustable lighting is ideal. If strong lighting is required for plants, be sure to provide shaded areas as well.

Feeding

Bolivian Rams are omnivores and will eat almost anything you give them. In the wild, they feed by sifting through the substrate for small organisms and plant material. In captivity, they can be fed dry food, but because they stick to the bottom and middle of the aquarium, it's best to use sinking pellets. Their diet can be complemented with chopped-up earthworms, brine shrimp, and frozen or live food such as bloodworms, blackworms, daphnia, and brine shrimp.

It's recommended to feed them multiple times a day, but keep the meals small to avoid overfeeding and maintain water quality. When feeding them bloodworms, it's best to soak them in tank water for a few minutes before adding them to the tank.

A varied and complex diet that includes fleshy meals and granules or pellets is essential to support their pigment formation. Pellets are generally preferred over shavings as they settle at the bottom of the tank and are easier for the bottom-feeding Bolivian Rams to consume.

It's important to note that Bolivian Rams are not big fans of flake food and will often spit it back out.

Breeding

Separating the fish will prevent aggressive behaviour and increase the chances of the eggs and fry surviving. Bolivian Rams lay eggs, but they do display some unique traits.

The breeding process can be started by adding a mating pair to a large aquarium. If you don't have a mating pair, you can add several young fish, and they will mate in time. The males and females will cling to each other, indicating that they have mated. The female will then lay her eggs in a comfortable spot, usually behind large rocks, and the male will swim over to fertilise them. Both parents will protect the eggs from attackers.

The eggs usually hatch within two to four days, and the parents will keep the fry in their mouths, carrying them around the tank and even trying to hide them. After about a week, the fry will be able to swim, and the parents will lead them in large groups to find food. After two months, the fry will be large enough to feed on a standard pellet diet.

The female Bolivian Ram's yellowish body colour, the bruised eye stripe, and the black horizontal spot become more intense during brood care. The male will also display courtship behaviour, which includes body movements and rapidly moving his head back and forth. He will also create a shallow pit in the aquarium, and this behaviour can last for two to three days.

The female will deposit 100-200 eggs in a straight row, and the male will fertilise them. This will happen several times until all the eggs are fertilised. The female will fan the eggs and may cover them with substrate. After hatching, the fry will be transported to the shallow pit dug by the male, where both parents will watch over them.

New parents may consume their eggs after the first breeding, but they generally get it right on the second or third attempt, so this is not something to be too concerned about.

Tank setup

Bolivian Rams are native to the rivers and streams of Bolivia and Brazil, where they inhabit shallow, slow-moving waters with an abundance of plants and trees that create shady areas. To replicate their natural environment in a tank, aim for the following setup:

• Tank size: A minimum tank size of 45 gallons (90 litres) is recommended for a group of six to eight Bolivian Rams. A larger tank is preferable, as it provides more swimming space and better territorial divisions, contributing to a healthier and more comfortable environment for the fish.
• Substrate: Line the bottom of the tank with a sandy substrate to mimic their natural habitat. Bolivian Rams like to sift through the substrate and can nibble on plants, so consider fine sand or smooth gravel.
• Decorations: Add objects to the tank for your fish to explore, such as stones, caves, driftwood, and live plants. Specific plant recommendations include Java ferns, Vallisneria, Cryptocoryne, or Water wisteria. Floating plants on the surface will provide shaded areas and reduce light.
• Lighting: Keep the lighting low or include plants to provide shaded areas, as Bolivian Rams prefer dim, scattered light.
• Water flow: Install a filter that maintains a lower water flow, as Bolivian Rams prefer a fresh, well-oxygenated environment but do not like strong water flow.
• Water temperature: Maintain a water temperature between 73.4 and 79°F (23 to 26°C). Consider installing a heater to achieve this range.
• PH level: Keep the pH level between 6.0 and 7.5 (slightly acidic).
• Water hardness: Maintain a hardness level between 5 to 15 dGH (soft water).
• Water changes: Replace 20-25% of the water once a week, removing any organic waste or uneaten food.
• Tank mates: Bolivian Rams are peaceful fish and can be kept with other similarly-tempered fish of similar size. Compatible tank mates include barbs, celestial pearl danios, other dwarf cichlids, and tetras. Avoid keeping them with shrimp, as they may prey on them.

Overall, when setting up a tank for Bolivian Rams, the goal is to replicate their natural environment as closely as possible, providing them with adequate swimming space, places to hide, and shaded areas.

Compatibility

Bolivian Rams are compatible with a wide range of tank mates due to their peaceful and calm nature. They are compatible with schools of small-sized Characidae species, which are their constant companions in the wild. They can be kept with other peaceful, bottom-dwelling fish, such as Corydoras Catfish, and other soft water, non-aggressive minnow species.

Some specific fish species that are compatible with Bolivian Rams include:

• Guppies
• Harlequin Rasbora
• 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
• Plecostomus
• Moon Fish
• Pethia Padamya
• Sumatra Barbs
• Colisa Lalia
• Plant Piranhas
• Firehead Tetra
• Imperial Tetras
• Sterbai Cory

It is important to note that Bolivian Rams are generally peaceful but can become territorial, especially during breeding or if the tank is too small. They can also prey on juveniles, very small fish, and cherry shrimp, so these factors should be considered when selecting tank mates.

In terms of water parameters, Bolivian Rams prefer soft, slightly acidic water with a pH range of 6.0-7.5 and a hardness of 5-15 dGH. The water temperature should be kept between 23-28°C (73.4-82.4°F).

When it comes to tank setup, it is recommended to use a sandy substrate and incorporate driftwood, rocks, and plants to create both sheltered and open areas. They prefer dim, scattered light, which can be achieved by placing floating plants on the water surface.

Frequently asked questions