In this article, we will understand the relationship between Angelfish and Bolivian rams. We will also know more about their tank requirements and explain if they can be set up together in a tank.
Angelfish and Bolivian rams
Angelfish is a very popular fish species among aquarists. Differently, the Bolivian ram is not so popular due to its trendy more colourful cousin, the German Blue Ram. The good news is that Angelfish and Bolivian rams can go very well and healthily together. For this, you will be required to set a well-planted tank with plenty of space and hiding spots.
Angelfish
Angelfish is a very beautiful and good-looking fish species. Having an Angelfish in your tank will definitely give an amazing appearance to it. Angelfish can grow up t 10 inches in height and 6 inches in length. They have a quite long lifespan, up to 10 years.
Behaviour
Angelfish are not schooling fish. However, in a tank, they will prefer to be kept within a small group of conspecifics. In their natural environment, they can be found in small groups. This is because they feel safer when with some company. These species can get aggressive towards some other fish species if they feel threatened.
Requirements
The Angelfish are somehow easy fish species to keep. The water parameters can range between 73 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit and the pH between 6.5 and 8.0.
The Angelfish enjoy plenty of natural plants like Java Moss or Java Fern, for example. And fine sand substrate will resemble their natural habitat.
Bolivian rams
The Bolivian ram (Mikrogeophagus altispinosus) is a colourful cichlid fish species that will also give an amazing look to your fish tank. They have bright colours, from yellow to blue or red. This species is a beginner-friendly species and can go along with many other fish species.
As their name suggests, they are original from South American freshwater environments. They can grow on average around 3.5 inches. Bolivian rams lifespan is around 4 years, in ideal conditions.
Behaviour
The Bolivian rams are normally very shy and do not bother the other tank inhabitants. They are great additions to a community tank and will get along with almost every other fish species.
In general, they are not aggressive and are considered very peaceful fish. However, they can get a bit aggressive during the breeding season or when they have babies.
Bolivian rams enjoy being in small groups of 6-8 conspecifics and can get pretty well with small Characidae species. Similarly to the Angelfish, the small groups of Bolivian rams give the individuals the feeling of safety.
Requirements
The Bolivian rams are quite easy to maintain. The water temperature should range between 72 and 79 degrees Fahrenheit. And pH should be between 6.0 and 7.5.
They also enjoy well-planted tanks that resemble their natural habitat. Plants as Java Fern, Amazon sword, Anubias Nana, and Wisteria are good choices for a tank with Bolivian rams. Similarly to the Angelfish, the Bolivian rams also prefer fine sandy substrate.
Can I keep Bolivian rams with Angelfish?
Yes, Bolivian rams and Angelfish make great tankmates. Their tank specificities and water requirements are very similar. Both species are cichlids and are found in similar environmental conditions in nature.
One important thing to keep in mind about your tanks is to provide plenty of space and hiding spots. Thus, you can guarantee these species will get along.
Tank requirements
The minimum size for an Angelfish and Bolivian rams tank is 55-gallon. However, a 75-gallon tank would be ideal and better for the fish establishment.
Plenty of space will allow you to plant some species as well as will allow the fish to establish their territory and feel secure and comfortable.
Water parameters
For a community tank of Angelfish and Bolivian rams, it is necessary to keep the water slightly soft and acidic. pH between 6.0 and 7.5, and water hardness from 0 to 10 dKH. Water temperatures should be between 72 to 79 degrees Fahrenheit.
Angelfish top 5 tankmates
Although Angelfish are usually peaceful fish, they can get a bit aggressive towards smaller fish. Thus, introducing them as young would solve this size issue.
The top 5 tankmates for Angelfish are:
– Rainbowfish;
– Cories catfish;
– Dwarf Gouramis;
– Bolivian rams;
– Platies.
Bolivian rams top 5 tankmates
As shy and small fish, the Bolivian rams live very well with other dwarf cichlids. These fish tend not to interact with tankmates and can live very peacefully.
– Silver Dollar fish;
– Emperor Tetras;
– Kuhli Loaches;
– Cory Catfish;
– Cherry Barbs.
Conclusion
In this article, we understood the relationship between Angelfish and Bolivian rams. We also discussed their tank requirements and explained if they can be set up together in a tank.
If you have any thoughts or doubts, feel free to drop us in a comment below!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Angelfish and Bolivian rams
How many Bolivian rams should you keep together?
Bolivian rams are not schooling fish. However, they prefer living in small groups of 6 to 8 individuals. In a community tank, it is possible to keep the Bolivian rams with other similarly sized peaceful fish species.
What do Bolivian rams eat?
Bolivian rams (Mikrogeophagus altispinosus) are omnivorous freshwater fish. Thus, they feed mostly anything you offer them. You can try bloodworms, shrimp, and even frozen food.
Are Bolivian rams aggressive?
No, the Bolivian ram is classified as peaceful cichlids. However, during breeding periods or in the presence of babies, they can get a bit aggressive to defend their territory and offspring.
Can Bolivian rams live with Angelfish?
Definitely yes. These two fish species can coinhabit a tank very happily and peacefully. To guarantee that, try providing plenty of space and hiding spots.
Do Bolivian rams need caves?
Not necessarily. Bolivian rams do not need caves. However, they will enjoy tanks with some hiding spots and well planted. Thus, they will feel more comfortable and safe.
Can Neon Tetras live with Bolivian rams?
Yes, Neon Tetras can live with Bolivian rams. They are very peaceful species that enjoy being in small groups in a community tank. In addition, both are easy species to keep, which make them perfect for beginner aquarists.
References
James, R. Can Bolivian Rams Live With Angelfish? (Answered!). https://fishkeepinganswers.com/can-bolivian-rams-live-with-angelfish/
Bolivian Ram: Is This Peaceful Cichlid Perfect For Your Aquarium?. 2019. https://www.fishkeepingworld.com/bolivian-ram/
Yang, A. 2020. Bolivian Ram Cichlid: Care, Tank Mates, Diet & More! https://www.aquariumsource.com/bolivian-ram-cichlid/
Bolivian Ram: Care, Tank Mates, Size, Lifespan & Food. https://www.fishlaboratory.com/fish/bolivian-ram/
