Bolivian Ram

Mikrogeophagus altispinosus

Also sold as Bolivian butterfly cichlid · Altispinosa

Synonyms Microgeophagus altispinosus · Papiliochromis altispinosus

Bolivian Ram (Mikrogeophagus altispinosus) is a peaceful freshwater fish that reaches about 8 cm (3.1 in) and swims along the bottom. It wants 73–81°F (23–27°C) and pH 6–7.5, can be kept singly, and needs a tank of at least 75 L (20 gal).

At a glance

Type	Fish
Adult size	8 cm (3.1 in)
Minimum tank	75 L (20 gal)
Group size	Can be kept singly
Temperature	73–81°F (23–27°C)
pH	6–7.5
Temperament	Peaceful
GH	4–12
Lifespan	4–5 years
Eats shrimp	Yes

Before it goes in

Bolivian Ram needs at least 75 L (20 gal). The smallest size in this library that clears that is the 20 Gallon High.
It eats shrimp. Cherry Shrimp, Crystal Red Shrimp and Bamboo Shrimp are on the menu.
It holds at 73–81°F (23–27°C). That shares a window with Betta and Cherry Shrimp, but not with Discus.
It can go wrong with Cherry Shrimp and Crystal Red Shrimp — it works in some tanks and not in others, so it is not a combination to buy blind.
It digs in the substrate. A freshly planted carpet — Dwarf Hairgrass Mini and Downoi — gets lifted before it roots.
Sources say not to put it in a newly set-up tank — give the tank a few months first.
One of them takes up roughly 17% of what a 20 Gallon High will comfortably hold, so plan the rest of the stock around it.

What tank size does it need?

At least 75 L (20 gal). The smallest size here that clears it is the 20 Gallon High.

Will it eat shrimp?

Yes. Shrimp are food to it, so pick one or the other.

What water does it want?

73–81°F (23–27°C), pH 6–7.5, GH 4–12.

How long does it live?

4–5 years in a tank that suits it. That is how long you are signing up for.

Can it go in a new tank?

No. Sources say not to add it to a newly set-up tank — it wants a tank that has been running for months.

Good tank mates

Tank mates from this library that share its temperature window, are peaceful and eat neither it nor its young: Goldfish, Bristlenose Pleco, Celestial Pearl Danio, Molly and Otocinclus.
Plants that hold up with it: Hygrophila corymbosa 'Siamensis', Water Sprite, Anubias nana 'Petite' and Cryptocoryne wendtii.

Often compared with

	Bolivian Ram	German Blue Ram	Apistogramma agassizii
Adult size	8 cm	6 cm	8 cm
Min tank	75 L	60 L	60 L
Group	1+	1+	2+
Temperature	73–81°F (23–27°C)	79–86°F (26–30°C)	75–84°F (24–29°C)
Eats shrimp	Yes	Yes	Yes

More livestock

Plan a tank with Bolivian Ram →

Sources (5) · checked Sep 2026