Fish comparison
Bolivian Ram vs German Blue Ram
How the Bolivian Ram and German Blue Ram compare on care, size, water and temperament, and which fish suits your tank.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated
TL;DR, Bolivian Ram vs German Blue Ram
The Bolivian Ram and the German Blue Ram are close cousins, both in the Mikrogeophagus group, so at a glance they ask for a lot of the same things. Both are happy somewhere around 26 to 27 °C and pH 6.5 to 7, so a single tank can suit either one. The Bolivian Ram is the more forgiving of the two, which matters if this is an early tank, while the German Blue Ram rewards a bit more attention. If tank space is tight, the German Blue Ram needs less room to feel settled; give the Bolivian Ram the nod when you have the litres to spare.
Group compatibility overview
Excellent fit
Every key parameter overlaps and no major conflicts surfaced.
1 note
Temperature
- Bolivian Ram22–27 °C
- German Blue Ram26–29 °C
pH
- Bolivian Ram6.5–7.5
- German Blue Ram5–7
Hardness
- Bolivian Ram5–14 dGH
- German Blue Ram1–8 dGH
What to plan for
- Demanding species presentGerman Blue Ram are difficulty 4+. Stable parameters and weekly maintenance are non-negotiable.
Full attributes
Every parameter, side by side| Parameter |  FishBolivian RamMikrogeophagus altispinosus |  FishGerman Blue RamMikrogeophagus ramirezi |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Fish | Fish |
| Origin | Amazon basin, Bolivia and Brazil | Orinoco basin, Venezuela & Colombia |
| Family | Cichlidae | Cichlidae |
| Temperature | 22–27 °C | 26–29 °C |
| pH | 6.5–7.5 | 5.0–7.0 |
| Hardness (dGH) | 5–14 | 1–8 |
| Flow rate | Low to Medium | Low |
| Min tank | 100 L | 75 L (pair) |
| Adult size | 7–8 cm | 5–7 cm |
| Difficulty | 2 / 5 | 4 / 5 |
| Lifespan | 4–6 yrs | 2–3 yrs |
| Diet | Omnivore | Omnivore |
| Water column | Mid to Bottom | Mid to Bottom |
| Schooling | No (pair or small group) | Pair |
| Plant safe | Yes | Yes |
| Shrimp safe | Risky with dwarf shrimp | Risky with dwarf shrimp |
Frequently asked questions
Direct answers to the questions search engines and AI assistants surface most often about this species.
Can you keep Bolivian Ram and German Blue Ram together?
Yes. Their temperature and pH ranges overlap around 26 to 27 °C and pH 6.5 to 7, so one set of water conditions keeps both comfortable. Match group sizes and cover the usual planted-tank basics and they share a tank fine.
Which is easier to keep, the Bolivian Ram or the German Blue Ram?
The Bolivian Ram is the easier of the two, closer to beginner-friendly, while the German Blue Ram leans demanding.
Do Bolivian Ram and German Blue Ram need the same water?
Close to it. Aim for 26 to 27 °C and pH 6.5 to 7 and you're in the shared sweet spot for both. Full ranges are in the table above.
What's the main difference between the Bolivian Ram and the German Blue Ram?
Space. The Bolivian Ram wants about 100 litres minimum and the German Blue Ram around 75, so tank size can settle it.