{"product_id":"bolivian-ram","title":"Bolivian Ram (Mikrogeophagus altispinosus)(Unsexed)","description":"\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"1\" data-index-in-node=\"4\"\u003eBolivian Ram\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e (\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci data-path-to-node=\"1\" data-index-in-node=\"18\"\u003eMikrogeophagus altispinosus\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003e),\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e also known as the Bolivian Butterfly Cichlid or Ruby Clown Cichlid,\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is one of the hardiest,\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e most peaceful dwarf cichlids available for the freshwater community aquarium.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRenowned for its subtle pastel hues,\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e ruby-rimmed fins,\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and curious personality,\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e the Bolivian Ram offers all the charm and intelligence of South American cichlids without the aggressive territorial behavior.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"3\"\u003eOrigin \u0026amp; Natural Habitat\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBolivian Rams are native to South America,\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e predominantly found in the Rio Guaporé,\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Rio Mamoré,\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and Rio Madeira river basins throughout \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4\" data-index-in-node=\"135\"\u003eBolivia and southwestern Brazil\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e In nature,\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e they inhabit slow-moving streams,\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e flooded river margins,\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and oxbow lakes characterized by sandy or silty substrate,\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e leaf litter,\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and overhanging vegetation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"6\"\u003eTank Size \u0026amp; Water Parameters\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"7\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBolivian Rams are significantly hardier and more adaptable than their cousin,\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e the German Blue Ram,\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e making them suitable for beginners and experienced hobbyists alike.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"8\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 20 gallons (approx.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 75 liters) for a single specimen or a bonded pair; 30+ gallons for a small group or community setup.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eWater Temperature:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 74°F – 82°F (23°C – 28°C)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003epH Range:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 6.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e5 – 7.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e5 (tolerates up to 7.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e8)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,3,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eWater Hardness:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 5 – 12 dGH (soft to moderately hard)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,4,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,4,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eFlow Rate:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Low to moderate water circulation\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003eEnvironment \u0026amp; Aquascape Setup\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"11\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTo help your Bolivian Ram thrive and showcase its best colors,\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e design an environment that mimics its natural biotope:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"12\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"12,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"12,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eSubstrate:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Fine aquarium sand is highly recommended.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Bolivian Rams are benthophagous (\"sand-sifters\") and love to mouth the substrate searching for micro-crustaceans and food morsels.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Rough,\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e sharp gravel can damage their gills.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"12,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"12,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eDecor \u0026amp; Plants:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Provide ample cover using natural driftwood branches,\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e smooth river rocks,\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and ceramic caves or overturned terracotta pots to establish territories.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e They do exceptionally well in planted tanks—sturdy plants like \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci data-path-to-node=\"12,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"227\"\u003eAnubias\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003e,\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci data-path-to-node=\"12,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"236\"\u003eJava Fern\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003e,\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci data-path-to-node=\"12,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"247\"\u003eCryptocoryne\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003e,\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci data-path-to-node=\"12,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"265\"\u003eAmazon Swords\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003e provide shade and security.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"12,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"12,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eLighting:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Subdued or moderate lighting,\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e optionally diffused by floating plants.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"14\"\u003eDiet \u0026amp; Feeding\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"15\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBolivian Rams are omnivorous micro-predators.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e They readily accept most commercial aquarium foods but thrive on a varied,\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e high-protein diet:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"16\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"16,0,0\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHigh-quality sinking micro-pellets and spirulina-rich flakes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"16,1,0\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLive or frozen offerings such as baby brine shrimp,\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e daphnia,\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e cyclops,\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and bloodworms.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"16,2,0\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRegular feedings 1–2 times daily in small amounts that sink to the bottom where they naturally forage.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"18\"\u003eIdeal Community Tank Mates\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"19\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThanks to their docile temperament,\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Bolivian Rams are quintessential community fish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e They dwell primarily in the lower third of the aquarium and rarely bother mid- or top-dwelling species.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"20\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"20,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"20,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eExcellent Tank Mates:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Peaceful schooling tetras (Rummy Nose,\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Cardinal,\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Neon,\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Lemon,\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Diamond Tetras),\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRasboras,\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Hatchetfish,\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e peaceful Corydoras catfish,\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Otocinclus,\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Bristlenose Plecos,\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and peaceful dwarf gouramis.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"20,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"20,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eSpecies to Avoid:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Aggressive or large cichlids (Oscars,\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Jack Dempseys,\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Green Terrors),\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e fin-nippers,\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and overly boisterous bottom dwellers that may outcompete them for food.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"22\"\u003eBreeding \u0026amp; Sexing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"23\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBolivian Rams are open-substrate (biparental) spawners that form monogamous pair bonds.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"24\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"24,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"24,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eSexing:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Males are slightly larger with pointed dorsal and anal fin extensions and more elongated tail filaments.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFemales tend to be slightly rounder with a pinkish flush on the belly when in breeding condition.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"24,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"24,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eBreeding Behavior:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e The bonded pair will clean a flat rock,\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e broad leaf,\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e or pit in the sand before laying 100 to 250 eggs.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Both parents attentively guard the eggs and fry,\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e fanning the clutch and herding the free-swimming fry.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNewly hatched fry accept freshly hatched baby brine shrimp and liquid fry food.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"KGTropicals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41456390307904,"sku":null,"price":17.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1478\/2240\/files\/Unknown-6.jpg?v=1792783298","url":"https:\/\/keepfishkeeping.com\/products\/bolivian-ram","provider":"KGTropicals","version":"1.0","type":"link"}