Bolivian Butterfly 4.5cm

Bolivian Butterfly

The Bolivian Butterfly is an absolutely stunning, peaceful, easy-to-care-for dwarf cichlid that makes a fantastic alternative to the more globally popular German blue ram. Whilst blue rams are more sensitive to water parameter swings and require higher water temperatures, the Bolivian butterfly or Bolivian ram is much easier to care for. These will make for a great entry-level cichlid species for newbie aquarists, a great breeding project, or just an awesome species to add to a community aquarium. 

As juveniles, Bolivian rams do not have the brightest colours which are why they are skimmed over at aquarium stores and not looked at as a stocking option. However once these fish mature and reach adult size, they are truly spectacular fish with an array of soft but contrasting colours. The body colour is a cream shade with very light grey barring. There’s also a vibrant orange patch just past the eye which finishes after the pectoral fins, when mature males reach breeding colours, this orange is truly vibrant. The pectoral and ventral fins also have streaks of red and blue, the red is also present as a rim on the dorsal and tail fin.

The final addition of contrast is a jet-black, vertical stripe that runs through the eye, there is also a black eye spot on the middle of the body and on the first few points of the fin. Whilst species like a blue ram might need a temperature of 28 - 30 degrees, these Bolivian rams will only need a temperature range of 22 - 26 degrees. They are also much more adaptable to water parameters but will prefer softer water. 

Bolivian rams can be regarded as community fish as they are peaceful and remain fairly small at 7cm max. They are also bred fairly easily in captivity and differentiating males and females is possible where the male's body is more elongated than that of a female, and the male's dorsal fin also ends in more of a point. However, the best method to identify is to get a pack of 4-6 rams and let them naturally pair off.  A pair will usually lay eggs on a secluded smooth surface in the aquarium and guard the fry until they reach a free swimming stage. 

Tank Recommendations for your Bolivian Butterfly

Being a dwarf cichlid, Bolivian butterfly rams can be kept in smaller aquariums however the minimum would be around 70 liters for a pair. As always though, a larger aquarium would be far better, and making sure there is a decent floor space can avoid any mild territorial behavior that these fish may exhibit. They will also prefer a well-planted aquarium and hiding places like caves. A sand or small grain gravel substrate would be fine for these fish as they do routinely sift through the sand for food and make breeding pits in the substrate as well.

Suitable Tank Buddies

The Bolivian ram is an incredibly peaceful fish with very minimal aggression coming out with each other for territorial disputes and during breeding. Given a larger aquarium, these will be perfectly fine and they can be kept with a wide range of community fish. 

Usually Compatible

Angelfish, basically all tetras, corydoras, plecos, gourami, and a range of aquarium fish. 

Sometimes Compatible

Larger peaceful South American cichlids such as Uaru, Severums, and other fish may outcompete them as they are mostly bottom-dwelling fish. They may also eat inverts like shrimp.

Rarely Compatible

Large and aggressive species such as African cichlids or Oscars may prey on the Bolivian Rams.

Feeding your Bolivian Butterfly

Bolivian rams are very easy to feed. They will take a wide range of pellets, flakes, and frozen foods. Just like any fish though they should be fed a varied diet with a mix of different foods. The ideal diet would be a good quality micro slow-sinking pellet or crushed flake, supplemented with frozen bloodworms or black worms or even live foods like baby brine shrimp or micro worms.