What size tank do Bolivian rams need?
At least 30 gallons (114 liters) for a pair. The smallest standard tank that works is the 29 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable. We give the size for an adult fish in a pair, because the small fish in the shop will grow. Scientific name: Mikrogeophagus altispinosus.
How many Bolivian rams in each tank size?
This is how many each standard tank carries comfortably if Bolivian rams are the only fish in it. Share the tank with other species and the number goes down.
| Tank | How many Bolivian rams |
|---|---|
| 5 gallon | Too small |
| 10 gallon | Too small |
| 20 gallon long | Too small |
| 29 gallon | 2 |
| 40 gallon breeder | 2 |
| 55 gallon | 2 |
| 75 gallon | up to 4 |
| 125 gallon | up to 8 |
Check Bolivian rams against your own tank and other fish
Good to know
- Best kept as a pair. A pair will claim a patch of the tank floor and defend it, most of all when they have eggs.
Tank mates for Bolivian rams
These animals like the same water, are a safe size, and have a temper that fits. It is a match on paper: always watch new tankmates for the first week.
- Swordtail
- Glass catfish
- Dwarf neon rainbowfish
- Congo tetra
- Lemon tetra
- Cherry barb
- Odessa barb
- Pearl gourami
Poor matches
- Fancy goldfish: Goldfish do best with other fancy goldfish.
- Oscar: Oscar is aggressive and will bully or kill peaceful fish such as Bolivian ram.
- Molly: They need different water: Bolivian ram likes a pH of 6–7.8, molly likes 7.5–8.5.
Questions and answers
What size tank do Bolivian rams need?
At least 30 gallons (114 liters) for a pair. The smallest standard tank that works is the 29 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable.
How many Bolivian rams should be kept together?
At least 2. Bolivian rams are social animals and only behave naturally in a group. More is better if the tank has room.
Can Bolivian rams live in a 10 gallon tank?
No. Bolivian ram needs at least 30 gallons (114 liters).
What temperature do Bolivian rams need?
73–81 °F (23–27 °C), with a pH of 6–7.8. In most homes that means a heater.
Can Bolivian rams live with a betta?
Usually, yes, in a tank of 30 gallons (114 liters) or more. They like the same water: 75–81 °F (24–27 °C). Every betta has its own temper, so watch closely for the first week and have a spare tank ready.
More fish
Adult size, tank size and water ranges follow the mainstream care consensus (Seriously Fish species profiles and FishBase maximum lengths). Where sources differ we use the more cautious figure. Stocking numbers come from our stocking calculator.