Bolivian Ram

Species/genus: Microgeophagus altispinosus
Common name: syn, Ruby Clowns cichlids
(although this was not originally the species name given, and has been confused with the German Blue Ram before the Bolivian ram was introduced to the hobby, specific articles on the web has proved difficult.
Origin: South America; Venezuela and Columbia
Temp: 75-81°F (24-27°C)
pH: 6.5-7(I find many store specimens can adapt-my ph is 7.4 or so
dH: soft is best
Temperament: Peaceful and somewhat shy.
Adult Size: 3" (7.5cm)
Minimum Tank Size: 10
Feeding: Omnivorous - a varied diet is best, mine do eat flakes.
Comments: The Bolivian Ram from all accounts is hardier than it's cousin the Blue Ram. I went thru a few before finding a couple that do well in my tank. They are very cool fish, and somewhat territorial.Mine will sometimes swim up and eat flakes out of my hand! I have two I am unsure of the sex of, but believe they are the same sex. Interestingly they only peck and nip each other and rarely even chase anyone else....in fact I have seen them hover over a cory eating, and chase a barb away. I highly recommend this fish, I had to up my water routine to have sucess in keeping these guys, and it is probably good to not alter ph after aclimating them to your tank, most fish store varieties will adapt.
 
For more information reguarding both Bolivian and German Blue Rams
check out these articles:
 
http://www.cichlidae.com/articles/a031.htm
http://www.mongabay.com/fish/apistogramma.htm
http://hjem.get2net.dk/Best_of_the_Web/blue rams.html
 

 
Article And Pictures - © Katie Ogles

Darn i miss my tank, and wow im handy with a camera!