Bolivian Butterfly Ram 5cm – Mikrogeophagus altispinosus

Bring colour, character and fascinating natural behaviour to your freshwater aquarium with the Bolivian Butterfly Ram (Mikrogeophagus altispinosus). This peaceful South American dwarf Cichlid is known for its attractive golden-grey body, distinctive black markings, extended fins and flashes of orange-red along its fins.

Growing to approximately 8–10cm as an adult, the Bolivian Ram is a wonderful choice for a carefully planned tropical community aquarium. It offers much of the personality associated with larger Cichlids without their size or generally aggressive nature.

Bolivian Butterfly Rams are also considered more forgiving than German Blue Rams, making them a popular option for fishkeepers wanting to try a South American Cichlid. They still require excellent water quality, suitable tank mates and a well-established aquarium.

Bolivian Butterfly Ram – At a Glance

• Scientific Name: Mikrogeophagus altispinosus
• Common Names: Bolivian Butterfly Ram, Bolivian Ram, Bolivian Butterfly Cichlid
• Fish Size Supplied: Approximately 5cm
• Adult Size: Approximately 8–10cm
• Temperament: Generally peaceful; territorial when breeding
• Care Level: Beginner to intermediate with an established aquarium
• Temperature: 24–28°C
• pH Range: 6.0–7.5
• General Hardness: Approximately 1–10 dGH
• Recommended Aquarium: At least 90 x 45cm of base space for an individual or established pair
• Diet: Omnivore – quality sinking pellets, frozen and live foods
• Swimming Level: Primarily bottom to lower-middle levels
• Origin: Bolivia and Brazil, South America

Why Choose a Bolivian Butterfly Ram?

Bolivian Rams are particularly appealing because of their curious behaviour. Rather than constantly swimming in open water, they spend much of their time exploring the aquarium floor, examining plants and searching through fine sand for food.

Their subtle gold, silver and red colouration becomes especially attractive as they mature and settle into a suitable aquarium. The dark marking through the eye and distinctive body spot give this species its recognisable appearance.

Unlike many larger American Cichlids, Bolivian Rams can coexist with carefully selected peaceful community fish. Their compact adult size also makes them suitable for planted aquariums with enough floor space.

Ideal Aquarium Setup

A well-established aquarium with fine sand, driftwood, plants and sheltered areas provides an excellent environment for Bolivian Butterfly Rams.

Fine sand is particularly important because these fish naturally sift through the substrate while searching for food. Sharp or coarse gravel can interfere with this behaviour and potentially injure their delicate gills.

Provide open areas for feeding alongside plants, timber and rocks that break up direct lines of sight. Flat stones may also become spawning sites if a compatible pair forms.

Explore our aquascaping supplies and live aquarium plants to create a comfortable, natural-looking aquarium.

Maintain stable water conditions, gentle to moderate water movement and effective biological filtration. Avoid introducing Bolivian Rams into newly established or unstable aquariums.

Compatible Tank Mates

Bolivian Butterfly Rams are generally peaceful, making them suitable companions for many smaller, calm tropical fish that share similar water requirements.

Potential tank mates include:

• Peaceful Tetras and other small schooling fish
• Harlequin Rasboras and similar peaceful Rasboras
• Suitable Corydoras Catfish where aquarium space permits
• Small peaceful Bristlenose Plecos in adequately sized aquariums
• Other carefully selected non-aggressive tropical fish

Avoid aggressive Cichlids, fin-nipping species and highly competitive fish that may prevent your Bolivian Ram from feeding comfortably.

Bolivian Rams may be kept individually or as an established bonded pair. Larger groups are possible in spacious aquariums with multiple territories. Randomly combining two fish does not guarantee they will form a compatible pair.

Browse our live aquarium fish collection when choosing suitable companions.

Feeding Your Bolivian Ram

Bolivian Butterfly Rams are omnivores that naturally search the aquarium substrate for small food items.

Offer a varied diet consisting of quality sinking pellets or granules, supplemented with foods such as frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp and daphnia.

Feed small amounts once or twice daily, ensuring food reaches the lower levels of the aquarium. Remove uneaten food to maintain good water quality.

Explore our aquarium fish food range for suitable everyday feeding options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Bolivian Butterfly Rams peaceful?

Yes. Bolivian Butterfly Rams are among the more peaceful South American Cichlids. They can become territorial when spawning or protecting young, so provide suitable hiding places and avoid aggressive tank mates.

How big do Bolivian Butterfly Rams grow?

Bolivian Rams typically reach approximately 8–10cm as adults, although size varies between individuals. The fish offered here are approximately 5cm and will continue growing with appropriate care.

Can Bolivian Rams live with Tetras?

Yes. Many peaceful Tetra species make suitable companions when water requirements match and the aquarium provides enough space. Small schooling fish can also help shy Rams feel more secure.

Can I keep a single Bolivian Ram?

Yes. A single Bolivian Ram can be maintained successfully in a suitably sized aquarium. An established pair is another option, while larger groups require considerably more space to manage territorial behaviour.

Are Bolivian Rams suitable for planted aquariums?

Yes. Bolivian Rams generally coexist well with live plants. Provide fine sand for natural feeding behaviour and use driftwood, rocks and plants to create sheltered areas.

Are Bolivian Rams easier to keep than German Blue Rams?

Bolivian Rams are generally considered more forgiving than German Blue Rams because they tolerate a somewhat broader range of conditions. However, they still need a mature aquarium, stable water parameters and regular maintenance.

Buy Bolivian Butterfly Rams Online in Australia

Order your Bolivian Butterfly Ram 5cm from Aquaholics Online, your Sunshine Coast aquarium specialist.

We offer live aquarium fish to eligible destinations across Australia, with specialised livestock packing and shipping arrangements designed to support safe transport. Delivery availability is subject to weather, location and applicable biosecurity restrictions.

Add a peaceful, character-filled South American Cichlid to your aquarium with the Bolivian Butterfly Ram.