Bolivian Ram

A hardy, peaceful dwarf cichlid with subtle beauty. Easier than German blue rams and a good choice for community tanks with the right setup.

tankSize
75L (20 gal) minimum
careLevel
Beginner to Intermediate
temperature
24 to 28C
temperament
Semi-peaceful
diet
Pellets, flakes, and frozen foods
lifespan
4 to 6 years
aloneOrCommunity
Community (with care)
weeklyMaintenance
Water changes and substrate cleaning

Best for

  • Owners who want a dwarf cichlid with fewer complications
  • Community tanks with peaceful fish
  • Planted setups with sand and hides
  • People who enjoy natural behaviors and pair bonding

Not ideal for

  • Aggressive cichlid tanks
  • Very small tanks
  • Uncycled setups
  • Tanks without hiding places

Temperament

  • Generally calm and less sensitive than some dwarf cichlids
  • Territorial in a small area, especially when breeding
  • Prefers calm tank mates and a stable environment

Daily routine

feeding: Feed once or twice daily; include some frozen foods for variety.
check: Observe for digging behavior and normal appetite.
enrichment: Provide caves and plants for shelter and territory definition.

Living fit

smallHome: Good choice for a medium community tank.
kids: Interesting behaviors, but needs routine maintenance.
firstTimeOwner: Good step-up fish after basic community experience.

Health notes

  • Clean water and stable parameters prevent common issues.
  • Avoid sharp gravel; sand is gentler for sifting.
  • Quarantine new fish when possible.

Cost and time

time: Low daily time; standard weekly maintenance.
cost: Moderate setup cost; standard heater and filtration.

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