Bolivian Ram
The Bolivian ram is a dwarf cichlid in the family Cichlidae, native to the upper Madeira River drainage of Bolivia and Brazil. It has a subtly beautiful tan to gray body with a dark vertical eye bar, a dark midbody spot, and red-orange edging on the fins. It is one of the more peaceful and hardy dwarf cichlids, tolerating a wider range of conditions than the related common ram. Individuals form pairs and defend a small territory but generally coexist well with calm tank mates. It does best in a planted aquarium with soft substrate, some flat stones or wood for spawning sites, and gentle filtration. It is an omnivore that eats prepared and live or frozen foods. Pairs are attentive parents, laying eggs on cleaned surfaces and guarding the fry, making it a rewarding beginner cichlid.
Water parameters
| Temperature | 22 – 27 °C |
|---|---|
| pH | 6 – 7.8 |
| Carbonate hardness (KH) | 2 – 12 °dKH |
| General hardness (GH) | 4 – 15 °dGH |
Tank & stocking
| Minimum tank volume | 110 L |
|---|---|
| Volume budget per individual | 30 L — adds up with tank-mates |
| Minimum group size | 2 individuals (shoaling) |
“Minimum tank volume” is a reasonable floor, not an absolute limit. The per-individual budget is used by the Aqua app to estimate how heavily a tank is stocked.
Frequently asked questions
What size aquarium does Bolivian Ram need?
Provide at least 110 litres for a small group to keep Bolivian Ram in good conditions.
What water parameters does Bolivian Ram need?
A temperature of 22–27 °C, pH 6–7.8.
Is Bolivian Ram peaceful or aggressive?
Its temperament is peaceful.
What does Bolivian Ram eat?
Its diet: omnivore.
How many Bolivian Ram should be kept together?
It is a social species: keep a group of at least 2.
How big does Bolivian Ram get?
Around 8 cm as an adult.
Is Bolivian Ram suitable for beginners?
Care level: beginner.
Planning a tank with Bolivian Ram?
AquaTender turns these parameters into live advice: it checks whether your tank is big enough, how heavily it's stocked, and whether your fish are compatible — then tracks water tests, photos and maintenance for you.
Fish from the same biotope
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