Bolivian ram - Mikrogeophagus altispinosus

Scientific name: Mikrogeophagus altispinosus

Common name: Bolivian ram

Family: Cichlidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 6 - 8 cm (2.36 - 3.15 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 6.4 - 7.5

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 4 - 13°N (71.43 - 232.14ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 22 - 27 °C (71.6 - 80.6°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: South America

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful

Usual place in the tank: Middle levels

Food and feeding

Bolivian rams are classed as omnivores so will accept all foods. For the staple diet, provide quality flake or pellets and spirulina wafers. Twice a week give them treats in the form of brine shrimp and blood worms.

Origin

South America; the Bolivian Ram can be found in the waterways of Bolivia and Brazil.

Sexing

Males tend to be slightly larger than the females and will also display extended dorsal and caudal fins. The male should also display more colouration than the female.

Breeding

Provide some flat rocks in the tank to act as spawning sites. Both fish will clean the selected rock prior to spawning and there will usually be 100-200 eggs laid on the site. The female will tend the eggs while the male defends the territory and after a few days the fry should hatch. The can be fed on newly hatched brine shrimp initially.

Lifespan

The expected life span for Mikrogeophagus altispinosus is 2-4 years.

Short description

Mikrogeophagus altispinosus demand high water quality and a mature tank to be placed in. They are at their best in planted tanks and can be kept with other peaceful cichlids.

Pictures

Bought by aqua-fish.net from jjphoto.dk. Also thanks to Jonathon Whipple.