#1 - Bolivian Ram (aka Bolivian Butterfly)

Name: Bolivian Ram (Mikrogeophagus Altispinosus)
Origin: South America
Maximum Size: 8-9cm
Minimum Size Tank: 75L
pH Level: 6.0 - 7.5
Temp: 24-28°C


image from:
http://www.guitarfish.org/2006/09/08/bolivian-rams-microgeophagus-altispinosa



For my very first fish profile I thought I'd put up one of my favourites, the Bolivian Ram. I first owned one of these little fish about 4 years ago and while they are a relatively easy to keep fish they also seem to provide a lot of interest while watching your tank.

Bolivian Rams will tolerate a fairly wide variation to water conditions and are a lot less delicate than the also popular Blue Ram. This makes Bolivian Rams a good alternative to anyone looking to get a Blue Ram but is worried about their experience level in fish keeping. Bolivian Rams are generally a bit more active than Blue Rams and also grow a bit larger.

While some people might say that a single ram or even a pair can be kept in an 40L tank, I disagree. I think a minimum tank size should be 75L whether it's for a single fish or a pair. For any extra pairs you would like to keep I would reccomend an extra 30-40L per pair. So don't go putting 4 of these guys in a 75L tank.

As for water conditions, these guys will be able to live healthily in most tropical tank setups. While not really suitable for African Cichlid tanks due to the high pH levels, almost all other setups will be fine. The most important thing is stability. Bolivian Rams will react badly if water conditions fluctuate. (eg. If the pH in your tank can be 6 one day and 8 the next.)

It is good to try and keep your nitrate levels under 10ppm. Although they can tolerate more you will find that water with a lower nitrate level will help the Bolivian Ram to display it's colours. Males also tend to have brighter, more pronounced colouring than females.

Bolivian Rams generally stay towards the bottom of the tank, hovering over the substrate. Sometimes they can be territorial towards each other but it is normally just bickering and from my own experience I've never seen them actually hurt each other, or other fish.

As for tankmates, there is a wide range of fish that are suitable. Due to their passive nature towards most fish they can be kept with most species. Don't place them in a tank with overly aggressive or territorial fish though. If you have a tank with a territorial fish then make sure the tank is large enough and planted heavily enough that the Bolivian Rams will be able to swim away and hide.

Bolivian Rams are generally easy to breed. High quality water and a successful pairing is mostly all that is needed. They like to find a nice flat rock normally to lay their eggs on and they will try to protect it. I recommend not breeding them unless they have their own tank though because there's a good chance they could either get agressive with their tank mates, or their tankmates can end up eating the eggs. A lot of the time though they will successfully breed in tanks with multiple tankmates though. As long as you have a big enough tank then the Rams will definately defend their eggs with a reasonable degree of success. If you have eggs hatch, once the babies become free swimming you can feed them baby brine shrimp.

Bolivian Rams can eat a wide range of fish foods. I recommend brine shrimp, blood worms, beef heart mix and high quality pellet foods. It is a good idea to try and vary their diet, as goes with all fish.

If you are just starting a tropical community tank and want a couple of fish that will add some interest and character I highly recommend the Bolivian Ram.

Welcome

Hi guys,

I just set up this new blog and it's all about fish keeping. As an avid and experienced fish keeper for many years now I thought it would be a good idea to share my experience with everyone out there and provide advice on successful fish keeping.

I also thought it would be a good idea to provide specific fish information, so each week I'm hoping to do a minimum of 2 "fish profiles" as I call them, where I will divulge on a secific fish species and explain the best way to keep them also.

If you're interested in this topic, feel free to follow the blog and leave comments. The more comments I have to read, the more ideas I will have for future posts!