American Cichlid – Bolivian Butterfly Cichlid – 5cm

Bolivian Butterfly Cichlid: A Peaceful and Hardy Dwarf Cichlid

The Bolivian Butterfly Cichlid (Microgeophagus altispinosus) is a stunning and easy-to-care-for freshwater fish. Known for its golden body with beautiful red and blue accents, this calm and social cichlid is a perfect addition to community aquariums. Its manageable size and adaptability make it a great choice for aquarists of all experience levels, offering vibrant beauty and intriguing behaviours.

Tank Setup for Bolivian Butterfly Cichlids

A tank of at least 100 liters is recommended to house Bolivian Butterfly Cichlids comfortably. Mimic their natural environment with sandy substrates, driftwood, and live plants to create hiding spots and encourage natural behaviours. These cichlids enjoy open swimming spaces, so balance cover with room to move. Keep the water temperature between 24°C and 28°C, with a stable pH of 6.5 to 7.5. Regular water changes are essential to maintain water quality.

Diet and Feeding

A varied diet is key to keeping these cichlids healthy and vibrant. Provide high-quality cichlid pellets or flakes as their staple food. Supplement their diet with live or frozen treats like brine shrimp, bloodworms, or daphnia to boost protein intake. Adding blanched vegetables, such as zucchini or spinach, enhances their nutrition. A balanced feeding routine ensures their colours remain bright and their energy levels high.

Behaviour and Tank Mates

Bolivian Cichlids are peaceful and social, thriving in community tanks with similarly calm species. Suitable tank mates include tetras, rasboras, guppies, and Corydoras. Avoid keeping them with large or aggressive fish, as this may stress them. These cichlids display fascinating interactions when kept in groups, including playful chases and mild territorial displays during feeding or breeding.

Breeding Bolivian Butterfly Cichlids

Breeding these cichlids is both manageable and rewarding. As substrate spawners, they lay eggs on flat surfaces such as rocks, plant leaves, or driftwood. Both parents guard the eggs and fry, exhibiting strong parental instincts. To encourage breeding, maintain stable water conditions and provide plenty of flat surfaces for spawning. Feed fry baby brine shrimp or finely crushed flakes to support their growth. A dedicated breeding tank can improve survival rates.

FAQs

How big do Bolivian Butterfly Cichlids grow?
They typically grow to 8–10 cm, making them suitable for medium-sized tanks with plenty of room for swimming and exploring.

Are Bolivian Butterfly Cichlids aggressive?
They are generally peaceful but may exhibit mild territorial behaviour during breeding or feeding. Proper tank setup helps reduce any conflicts.

What tank mates are suitable for Bolivian Butterfly Cichlids?
They get along well with non-aggressive species like tetras, rasboras, Corydoras, and other small community fish.

What is the best diet for Bolivian Butterfly Cichlids?
A mix of high-quality pellets, live or frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp, and occasional vegetables ensures balanced nutrition.

How can I tell if they are breeding?
Look for pairs guarding a flat surface where eggs are laid. Both parents will protect the fry and show increased activity around the spawning site.

Are Bolivian Butterfly Cichlids easy to care for?
Yes, their hardy nature, peaceful temperament, and adaptability make them ideal for beginners and experienced aquarists alike.

Species Overview

• Species: Microgeophagus altispinosus
• Common Name: Bolivian Butterfly Cichlid
• Origin: South America
• Diet: Omnivore
• PH Range: 6.5–7.5
• Temperature: 24°C–28°C
• Max Size: Up to 10 cm
• Tank Size: Minimum 100 liters