FISH OF THE DAY!

The Bolivian ram (Mikrogeophagus altispinosus) is known under many common names: butterfly ram, Bolivian butterfly cichlid, and ruby cichlid. A brief synopsis of this species of fish.

Care Level: Beginner

Temperament: Peaceful

Color: Colorful

Lifespan: 4 years

Size: 3.5 inches, females are smaller

Diet: Omnivore

Family: Cichlidae

Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons

Tank Setup: Freshwater

Compatibility: Other peaceful freshwater fish.

Group size: 6 to 8

Water temperature: 73.4 to 79°F (23 to 26°C)

pH: 6.0 to 7.5

Hardness: 5 to 15 dGH

Habitat:

In their natural habitat, the Bolivian Ram can be found widely spread across the amazon river basin from Brazil to Bolivia. You can spot them in the slower moving waters with soft sandy or often muddy substrate. Plants and trees hang over these rivers, creating shady areas.

This species does best in a group of six to eight, so plan on a minimum tank size of 45 gallons (90 l).

This will give your fish plenty of swimming space as well as room for plants, driftwood, and open areas along the bottom. 

A shout out to batman tropical fish, tfm, fish tank adviser, all which I read for today's fish of the day.

My overview:

A peaceful little cichlid, the Mikrogeophagus altispinosus, known for its shy and mellow nature. They swim in a distinctive stop-and-go manner, equipped with spines to fend off larger predators in the wild. 

Not to be confused with the Mikrogeophagus ramirezi, which is a different species altogether, these fish thrive best in sandy environments.

One needs to remember that they are a shoaling species, which could explain any difficulties in keeping them alive. 

I've been planning to do a dedicated aquarium honoring my late father, who introduced me to the joys of fishkeeping. It would be a big aquarium to put in my living room, this species could find their way into my plans.

Despite my past successes with German rams, I am intrigued by the possibility of exploring new directions, perhaps with this captivating species. I can't remember if I've had this species before, but my memory isn't what it was as a younger man.

My heavily planted forty gallon breeder aquarium is under populated and I'm good with that, it means less mess. Maybe someday I'll get this fish.

So many peaceful dwarf cichlids to choose from. I always have to shake my head when someone says that all cichlids are aggressive, obviously they've never had a Bolivian Ram.

Interested in owning one of these awesome fish, check it out here