Bolivian Butterfly Ram

Biosecurity Shipping Limitations apply

Shipping Allowed?

The Bolivian Butterfly Ram, also known as the Bolivian Ram or Ruby Crown Cichlid, is a beautiful South American dwarf cichlid admired for its golden body, iridescent blue highlights, dark markings and elegant fins edged with red. Its attractive colouration and engaging personality make it a standout addition to a peaceful freshwater aquarium.

Wikipedia

+1

Compared with the more delicate German Blue Ram, the Bolivian Butterfly Ram is generally hardier and more adaptable, making it an excellent option for aquarists interested in keeping dwarf cichlids. It is native to river systems in Bolivia and Brazil, where it inhabits freshwater environments with natural cover and areas of soft substrate.

These fish spend much of their time exploring the lower and middle levels of the aquarium, searching through the substrate for food. They are generally peaceful with suitable tank mates, although they may become territorial when breeding. A compatible pair can display fascinating courtship and parental behaviour.

Provide a mature, well-filtered aquarium with fine sand, aquatic plants, driftwood and sheltered areas. Open swimming space is also important, while stable water conditions help keep these fish healthy and active.

Bolivian Butterfly Rams are omnivores and readily accept quality sinking pellets, micro pellets and flakes. Supplement their diet with frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia and bloodworms for variety and condition. With suitable care, they make rewarding centrepiece fish for a planted community aquarium.

Quick Care Guide

• Scientific Name: Mikrogeophagus altispinosus

• Common Names: Bolivian Butterfly Ram, Bolivian Ram, Ruby Crown Cichlid

• Origin: Bolivia and Brazil, South America

• Care Level: Easy to moderate

• Adult Size: Approximately 6–8 cm

• Minimum Aquarium: Around 75–80 litres for a suitable setup

• Temperature: 23–28°C

• pH: Approximately 6.0–7.5

• Diet: Omnivore

• Temperament: Generally peaceful; territorial when breeding

• Swimming Level: Bottom to middle

• Aquarium Type: Freshwater tropical

• Lifespan: Around 3–5 years, potentially longer with good care

Fishkeeping

+2

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are Bolivian Butterfly Rams suitable for beginners?

They can be a good choice for beginners who have a fully cycled aquarium and can maintain stable water quality. They are generally hardier than German Blue Rams.

2. Can Bolivian Butterfly Rams live in a community aquarium?

Yes. They generally do well with peaceful fish such as appropriately sized tetras, rasboras and Corydoras. Avoid aggressive or predatory tank mates.

3. Can I keep Bolivian Butterfly Rams in pairs?

Yes. A compatible pair can do well together, but provide enough space and hiding areas, particularly during breeding when they may defend a territory.

4. What do Bolivian Butterfly Rams eat?

They accept quality sinking pellets, micro pellets and flakes, supplemented with frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia and bloodworms.

5. Do Bolivian Butterfly Rams need sand?

Fine sand is ideal because they naturally forage through the substrate. Smooth, fine gravel can also work if it is safe for bottom-feeding fish.

6. Are Bolivian Butterfly Rams aggressive?

They are generally peaceful for cichlids, but may become territorial during spawning. Providing adequate space and visual barriers helps minimise conflict.

Common Mistakes

• Introducing them into an immature or uncycled aquarium.

• Allowing ammonia or nitrite to accumulate.

• Keeping them with aggressive fish or unsuitable tank mates.

• Providing insufficient hiding places and open substrate.

• Feeding only one type of food instead of a varied diet.

• Making sudden changes to temperature or water chemistry.