Not furry, but we like them anyway.

Bolivian Ram

Mikrogeophagus altispinosus (Haseman, 1911)

Also called Bolivian butterfly, Bolivian ram cichlid, Ruby crown cichlid, Hi-fin ram

SpeciesShort profile

From South America: the southern Amazon basin, in the Guapore drainage of Brazil and Bolivia and the Mamore drainage of Bolivia.1 2

At a glance the quick version

Length5.6 to 8 cm1 3 2

Sizesmall

Good first dwarf cichlid

Charming stop-and-go swimming

Tolerates a wider temperature range than the blue ram

3 2

Looks how to spot one

Small, oval dwarf cichlid with long front dorsal rays

A softly coloured dwarf cichlid with a yellow head and front half fading to olive-grey, a dark bar through the eye and a black-tipped, pink-edged front to the dorsal fin. The lower fins are red with bright blue rays and dots.2 3

Coloursyellowolive-greyblack eye barred finsblue fin rays2

Personality what they are like

A shy, peaceful dwarf cichlid that gets along with calm tankmates.2 3

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Moves along the bottom in short bursts, stopping to sift the sand for food.2

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Keep the water clean and stable and give a soft sandy bottom so it can forage naturally. Males grow larger with longer fins and stronger colour.3

Home where they are happiest

At least a 90 x 45 cm base (around 80 litres or more), planted areas and wood. Water 22-28 C, pH about 6.0-7.6, hardness 1-10 dH.3 2 1

Food basics what goes in the bowl

An omnivore that sifts the bottom for plant matter and small creatures; offer bloodworm, brine shrimp, daphnia and quality sinking foods.2 3

Company who they like around

Fairly sociable; a group of six to eight in a roomy tank works well, alongside peaceful fish such as Corydoras.3

The story where it all began

Haseman described the species in 1911 from the Mamore River in Bolivia. Hobbyists value it as an easier-going relative of the blue ram that is well suited to less experienced cichlid keepers.2 3

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
Its distinctive stop-and-go swimming likely helps it search the sand carefully.2
2
Parents move their young between small pits dug in the sand.1
3
Eggs hatch in about 60 hours at 27 C.2
4
The genus name means small earth-eater.1

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed November 2020)1
Taxonomy: Described by Haseman in 1911; type locality Mamore River at San Joaquin, Bolivia2
Family: Cichlidae (cichlids)1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Bolivian Ram. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
Temperature checkevery day
Water changeAbout 25% of the waterevery week
Water testevery week
Glass cleanevery week
Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Bolivian Ram?

Furry Diary's starting plan is to offer small amounts once or twice a day. This matches their natural foraging habit of sifting the bottom for food. Adjust based on your fish's appetite and the food label, and ask your vet if unsure.2 3 Pet Wiki plan

What does a Bolivian Ram eat, and what should it never eat?

As an omnivore, it enjoys bloodworm, brine shrimp, daphnia and quality sinking foods. Never feed anything that could harm it, like large or sharp pieces; stick to foods that sink and are easy to sift. For specific amounts, check the food label and consult your vet.2 3

How much space does a Bolivian Ram need?

It needs at least a 90 x 45 cm base, which is around 80 litres or more. A roomy tank with planted areas and wood helps it feel secure and forage naturally.3 2 1

What temperature, light or water does a Bolivian Ram need?

Keep water at 22-28°C, pH about 6.0-7.6, and hardness 1-10 dH. Stable, clean water is key, and a soft sandy bottom lets it forage. Lighting should be moderate to support plants.3 2 1

How often should I clean a Bolivian Ram's home?

Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a weekly 25% water change, weekly glass cleaning, and a monthly filter rinse in old tank water (never tap water). This keeps the water stable and clean for your fish. Pet Wiki plan

Can a Bolivian Ram live with others?

Yes, it is a shy, peaceful dwarf cichlid that gets along with calm tankmates like Corydoras. A group of six to eight in a roomy tank works well, but avoid aggressive fish.2 3

How long does a Bolivian Ram live?

Lifespan varies depending on care and environment. For specific information, ask a good breeder or an exotic-pet vet who knows this species well.

Can I handle a Bolivian Ram?

It is best not to handle this fish; it is delicate and easily stressed. Enjoy watching it sift the sand and interact with tankmates instead.2 3

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

Blue Ram

Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid

Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

FishBase: Mikrogeophagus altispinosus fishbase.seused for distribution, size, IUCN, breeding, etymology
Wikipedia: Mikrogeophagus altispinosus en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, appearance, size, behaviour, care, breeding, history
Seriously Fish: Mikrogeophagus altispinosus seriouslyfish.comused for size, tank size, water parameters, diet, social needs, sexing

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.