Mikrogeophagus altispinosus – Bolivian Ram
Mikrogeophagus altispinosus, like its cousin Mikrogeophagus ramirezi, has seen many names. First described in 1911 by J.D. Hageman as Papiliochromis altispinosus. Later renamed to Microgeophagus altispinosus and the last name Mikrogeophagus (the only difference being the C or K in the spelling).
In English they are also called Bolivian Ram.
Description
Mikrogeophagus altispinosus is built approximately the same as Mikrogeophagus ramirezi. They both have a somewhat stocky build. The difference between males and females is not easy to see. After looking at the fish for a while, some differences can be found. The males have a slightly slimmer build and are also slightly smaller. In adults, it can also be seen on the tail. In males, the outer fin rays are longer than the rest of the tail. In young specimens, the difference is only visible to the highly trained eye.
Mikrogeophagus altispinosus form couples and a couple forms a territory. Keeping a whole group of these nice dwarf cichlids is probably not possible. For a couple you need an aquarium of about 80 centimeters. You can only add a second couple from an aquarium length of 120 centimeters.
They are not very strong fish. If they have to compete for their food with very dominant or busy fish, they will lose this battle. So keep them together with some calmer species.
Sexual dimorphism with photos by Gertbl
Characteristics male:
The male can be recognized by the extended fin rays of the dorsal, anal and pectoral fins.
Characteristics female:
Females have rounded fins instead of elongated ones. The anal fin in particular is rounder than that of the male. Example from my female:
Biotope
The country of origin of this beautiful dwarf cichlid is Bolivia. As mentioned, in English they are also called Bolivian Ram after their country of origin. Here they inhabit the sandy bottoms of clear, very slowly flowing water. They build their territory among the dense vegetation.
Diet
Mikrogeophagus altispinosus are not picky eaters. Both live and frozen food are popular, as well as flake food. To bring out their colors, a varied diet is desirable. A varied combination of flake food, artemia, cyclops, mysis, Daphnia, black and white mosquito larvae help them stay healthy and brings out their most beautiful colors. Feed tubifex and red mosquito larvae sparingly, as these are too fatty to feed often.
The Aquarium
For 1 pair of Mikrogeophagus altispinosus you need an aquarium of 80 centimeters. Each additional couple adds approximately 40 centimeters of aquarium length. These fish form territories, so make sure there are natural-looking partitions in the form of sufficient vegetation, wood or rocks so that they are hidden from each other’s view.
It is important that the bottom must consist of soft sand. They like to dig and sharp sand or gravel can cause wounds. They also like to have some oak or beech leaves.
They can be kept at a temperature of 22 to 29 degrees Celsius. Even warmer is possible, up to 32 degrees Celcius, but this will probably shorten their lifespan. The water should have a pH of around 6.5 to 7 and should preferably be filtered over peat. They do best in relatively soft water with a GH of about 5 to 12.
In nature, fish have to deal with fluctuating temperatures. Keeping fish at the minimum or maximum temperature for a long time is not always desirable and can shorten the average lifespan of the animals.
They are sensitive to water contamination. Regular water changes are therefore absolutely necessary. The nitrite and ammonia levels must be 0 at all times.
Breeding aquarium and conditioning
This bi-parental substrate breeder can be conditioned by feeding them well with live food (especially black mosquito larvae) and keeping the water clean. If you have a good pair, they will start laying eggs.
The breeding aquarium must be equipped with a sand bottom, some flat stones and plants. Make sure the water is very clean and filter over peat. This also helps prevent mold formation on the eggs.
The Spawn
Before spawning, the Mikrogeophagus altispinosus pair first selects a suitable spot. Usually this is a flat stone or wide leaf. its surface is carefully polished clean. near the chosen spawn location they dig some pits in the sand.
As soon as the female is completely satisfied, her ovipositor appears and is clearly visible. All other fish are carefully chased away by the male. Typical of bi-parental substrate breeders, the female lays neat rows of 5 to 8 eggs, after which the male fertilizes them between territory patrols. An average nest consists of about 100 to 300 eggs.
Raising the fry
The eggs are mainly fanned by the female for three days while the male fiercely defends the territory. Only when the female goes to eat does the male take over her task for a while. Unfertilized or moldy eggs are carefully removed.
After three days the eggs hatch and the wriggling young are transferred to the previously dug pits. From time to time the parents will move them to a different pit. Both parents defend their offspring very fiercely. After four to five days the larvae can swim freely. Now is the time to start feeding newly hatched brine shrimp.
Allowing the young to grow up usually does not cause any problems. Please note: the young are sensitive to polluted water, just like their parents. So don’t feed them too much as uneaten food can quickly pollute the water. Also continue to change the water regularly for the young ones.
Conclusion
Although not as colorful as its cousin the Mikrogeophagus ramirezi, it is a very good alternative to this species. They are easier to keep and breed. The colors are a bit more subtle, but its behavior is just as fun to watch. With this species you can, with a bit of luck, also see the spawn and raising of the young (even in an aquarium with other species), something that is only reserved for a few with the ramirezi.
All in all, it is a species that is definitely recommended!
Video
Author
John de Lange
Copyright images
Klaus Steinhaus (original website no longer available)
GertBl
CK Yeo
Unimati
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