Variety of Bolivian Butterfly Cichlid
Standard wild type
Mikrogeophagus altispinosus
Origin: South America — upper Rio Madeira basin in Bolivia and Brazil
Also known as: Bolivian Ram, Ruby Crown Cichlid, Butterfly Ram, Papiliochromis altispinosus
Fact sheet
- Size
- 8 cm
- Lifespan
- 5 years
- Minimum tank size
- 80 L
- Temperature
- 20–28 °C
- pH
- 6.5–7.5
- Hardness GH
- 5–15 °dH
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Social behavior
- In pairs
- Swimming zone
- Bottom, Middle
- Diet
- Omnivore
- Jumps out
- No
- Eats plants
- No
Overview
The nominal colouration — yellow head, olive-grey rear, reddish fin edges. The most commonly available form in the aquarium trade.
Appearance
Shared with the species: Bolivian Butterfly Cichlid
The Bolivian Butterfly reaches 7–8 cm in length. The head and front half of the body are yellow, gradually fading to olive-grey at the rear. A vertical black band crosses the eye, and a black spot marks each flank. Fins are edged with reddish-pink colouring. Males are larger with extended filaments on fins; females develop a noticeably reddened belly during spawning condition.
Care
Shared with the species: Bolivian Butterfly Cichlid
A minimum tank of 80–100 litres with a soft sand substrate is essential, as the fish sifts the substrate and coarse gravel can damage its barbels. Decorate with driftwood, smooth stones, caves, and plants such as Anubias and Cryptocoryne attached to hardscape. Water flow should remain gentle. Maintain water at 24–28 °C, pH 6.0–7.5, and hardness 1–10 dGH. Never introduce this species to a biologically immature aquarium as it is susceptible to head and lateral line erosion (HLLE) under poor conditions. Perform weekly water changes of 25–30%.
Feeding
Shared with the species: Bolivian Butterfly Cichlid
An omnivorous benthophage in the wild, feeding on small invertebrates and organic particles found in the substrate. In captivity it readily accepts live and frozen bloodworm, Artemia, daphnia, and Mysis shrimp. High-quality sinking micro-pellets serve well as a staple. Surface flakes are less readily accepted. Feed in small amounts 2–3 times daily.
Compatibility
Shared with the species: Bolivian Butterfly Cichlid
A peaceful species that coexists well with calm tankmates — small characids (tetras, rasboras), dwarf Corydoras catfish, bristlenose plecos, and other small, non-aggressive fish. Avoid territorial cichlids or species requiring hard water. Keeping fish in a group of 6–8 improves confidence. Males may show minor aggression toward each other in smaller tanks.
Breeding
Shared with the species: Bolivian Butterfly Cichlid
Biparental substrate spawners. The female deposits 100–200 ovoid brownish eggs on a pre-cleaned flat stone or broad leaf. At 27 °C eggs hatch in approximately 60 hours; wrigglers are moved to a pit dug in the substrate and become free-swimming after approximately 7 days. Both parents actively guard eggs and fry, becoming aggressive towards tankmates during this time. First foods for fry include Artemia nauplii and infusoria.
Fun facts
Shared with the species: Bolivian Butterfly Cichlid
The Bolivian Butterfly tolerates a broader temperature range (22–28 °C) than the German Ram and is considered far hardier for beginners. The common name 'Ruby Crown' refers to the bright red-orange patch on the forehead, most vivid in spawning males. The species was first described in 1911 by Regan and was originally placed in the genus Papiliochromis.