We have moved to 41 Croydon Ave Croydon NSW 2132. Contact us: 0433 784 171.
FREE COMBINED SHIPPING ABOVE $189* (DRY GOODS $20, LIVESTOCK $30)
Connect with us on WhatsApp for FREE Support

[ARRIVED 21-AUG-2025] Bolivian Ram (Local Bred) 4-7cm

Description

Bolivian Ram (Mikrogeophagus altispinosus)

Peaceful, character-rich cichlid for stable community aquariums

Quick Facts

  • Size: ~7–8 cm
  • Tank size: 60L+ recommended
  • Difficulty: 🟑 Moderate
  • Temperament: Peaceful (mild territorial)
  • Best kept: Pair or small group
  • Plant safe: Mostly (may move substrate)

Is this for you?

βœ”οΈ Good if:

  • You want a peaceful β€œcentrepiece” fish with personality
  • You have a stable, established aquarium
  • You keep calm community fish
  • You want interactive behaviour and interesting movement

❌ Avoid if:

  • Your tank is newly set up or unstable
  • You keep aggressive or highly territorial fish
  • You want a completely passive fish
  • You expect it to be a low-care beginner fish

Why this fish?

The Bolivian Ram is a peaceful dwarf cichlid known for its calm temperament, subtle colouration, and engaging personality.

Unlike more aggressive cichlids, it works well in community setups while still displaying interesting behaviour such as territory awareness and interaction with its environment.

Common mistakes

  • Adding them to immature tanks β†’ higher stress and poor health
  • Keeping with aggressive or fast-moving fish
  • Expecting them to behave like passive community fish
  • Overcrowding the tank
  • Ignoring water quality stability

Care made simple

  • Temperature: 24–28Β°C
  • Diet: Quality pellets, frozen foods, varied diet
  • Best kept: Pair or small group
  • Setup: Sand substrate, plants, hiding areas
  • Water: Clean, stable, well-maintained

Pair with

  • Quality micro pellets / frozen foods
  • Fine sand substrate
  • Driftwood and caves
  • Peaceful community fish (tetras, rasboras)
NTA Insight:
This species is often mistaken for a fragile cichlid, but it is actually quite robust when kept in stable conditions. Most issues come from poor tank setup, not the fish itself.

FAQ

Are Bolivian Rams aggressive?

No. They are generally peaceful, though they may show mild territorial behaviour, especially when breeding.

Are they good for beginners?

Suitable for beginners with an established tank, but not ideal for brand-new setups.

Can I keep just one?

Yes, but they are often more interesting when kept as a pair.

Do they need sand?

Sand is preferred as they like to sift through the substrate.

What do they eat?

A varied diet of pellets, frozen foods, and occasional live food.

[ARRIVED 21-AUG-2025] Bolivian Ram (Local Bred) 4-7cm

Product form
Free pickup in our shop(s)

10 in stock

$35.00


All prices include GST
Is Online Fish Ordering Right for You?
    • 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed
    • Live Guaranteed to your Home or Office
    • Price Match Available

    Description

    Bolivian Ram (Mikrogeophagus altispinosus)

    Peaceful, character-rich cichlid for stable community aquariums

    Quick Facts

    • Size: ~7–8 cm
    • Tank size: 60L+ recommended
    • Difficulty: 🟑 Moderate
    • Temperament: Peaceful (mild territorial)
    • Best kept: Pair or small group
    • Plant safe: Mostly (may move substrate)

    Is this for you?

    βœ”οΈ Good if:

    • You want a peaceful β€œcentrepiece” fish with personality
    • You have a stable, established aquarium
    • You keep calm community fish
    • You want interactive behaviour and interesting movement

    ❌ Avoid if:

    • Your tank is newly set up or unstable
    • You keep aggressive or highly territorial fish
    • You want a completely passive fish
    • You expect it to be a low-care beginner fish

    Why this fish?

    The Bolivian Ram is a peaceful dwarf cichlid known for its calm temperament, subtle colouration, and engaging personality.

    Unlike more aggressive cichlids, it works well in community setups while still displaying interesting behaviour such as territory awareness and interaction with its environment.

    Common mistakes

    • Adding them to immature tanks β†’ higher stress and poor health
    • Keeping with aggressive or fast-moving fish
    • Expecting them to behave like passive community fish
    • Overcrowding the tank
    • Ignoring water quality stability

    Care made simple

    • Temperature: 24–28Β°C
    • Diet: Quality pellets, frozen foods, varied diet
    • Best kept: Pair or small group
    • Setup: Sand substrate, plants, hiding areas
    • Water: Clean, stable, well-maintained

    Pair with

    • Quality micro pellets / frozen foods
    • Fine sand substrate
    • Driftwood and caves
    • Peaceful community fish (tetras, rasboras)
    NTA Insight:
    This species is often mistaken for a fragile cichlid, but it is actually quite robust when kept in stable conditions. Most issues come from poor tank setup, not the fish itself.

    FAQ

    Are Bolivian Rams aggressive?

    No. They are generally peaceful, though they may show mild territorial behaviour, especially when breeding.

    Are they good for beginners?

    Suitable for beginners with an established tank, but not ideal for brand-new setups.

    Can I keep just one?

    Yes, but they are often more interesting when kept as a pair.

    Do they need sand?

    Sand is preferred as they like to sift through the substrate.

    What do they eat?

    A varied diet of pellets, frozen foods, and occasional live food.

    Live Arrival & Ordering FAQ

    Do you offer a live arrival guarantee?

    Yes. All livestock is covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee.

    In the rare event of DOA, please contact us promptly with clear photos of the livestock in the original unopened bag.

    Please review our full DOA and store policies before purchase.

    Can you ship to all states in Australia?

    No. Due to state restrictions, we cannot ship livestock or live plants to WA and TAS.

    What should I check before ordering?

    Before placing an order, make sure:

    • Your tank is fully cycled and stable
    • Your aquarium has enough space for the species
    • Your current livestock are compatible in temperament, size, and requirements
    • Your water parameters, habitat, and temperature suit the species
    • You are not adding too many fish at once
    What should I expect when my fish arrives?

    It is normal for fish, shrimp, or snails to look pale, stressed, or less active after shipping.

    This is temporary. Most livestock will settle and regain colour within a few days.

    How long does it take for fish to settle in?

    Most livestock will take 3–7 days to fully adjust to their new environment.

    Should I feed my fish immediately after arrival?

    No. We recommend waiting 24 hours before feeding to allow them to settle.

    If you already have fish in your tank, feeding them before introducing new arrivals can help reduce stress.

    Why do fish sometimes struggle after being added to a tank?

    In most cases, issues are caused by tank conditions, not shipping.

    • Uncycled or unstable tanks
    • Poor water parameters
    • Overstocking
    • Unsuitable tank mates
    What is Nano Tanks Australia’s main tip for new livestock?

    Most livestock losses happen in immature or unstable tanks, not during shipping.

    If your setup is not fully established, the risk to new arrivals is significantly higher.

    Not sure if this fish is right for your setup?

    If you are unsure whether this species suits your setup, contact us before ordering and we’ll help point you in the right direction.

    Recently viewed products

      © 2026 Nano Tanks Australia, Powered by Shopify

        • American Express
        • Apple Pay
        • Google Pay
        • Mastercard
        • PayPal
        • Shop Pay
        • Visa

        Login

        Forgot your password?

        Don't have an account yet?
        Create account