25 Bolivian Ram Tank Mates
Choosing tank mates for your Bolivian Rams is an essential part. You want peaceful, similarly sized fish that won’t bully or get bullied. Consider water conditions too, meaning the tank mates should thrive in similar environments as Bolivian Rams.
Here are 25 fish species that are compatible with Bolivian Rams and make a great addition to any community aquarium:
Mollies
Mollies are one of the most preferred tank mates for Bolivian Rams.
- Compatibility: 4/5
- Tank Size: Minimum 20 gallons (75 liters)
- Temperature Range: 72-78°F (22-26°C)
- Care Level: Easy to Moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous. Accepts flake, frozen, live foods.
- Adult Size: Up to 5 inches (12.7 cm)
Ensuring a vibrant and harmonious environment for both Mollies and Bolivian Rams entails providing them with adequate space. Mollies appreciate live plants and soft substrate.
They are primarily omnivores and require a diversified diet for optimal health. Mollies are known for their peaceful nature, which is why they are compatible with the Bolivian Rams.
Black Phantom Tetra
Black Phantom Tetras make excellent tank mates for your Bolivian Rams. These fish are peaceful, preferring to swim in schools, and do well with species that won’t harass them.
- Compatibility: 5 out of 5
- Tank Size: Minimum of 20 gallons (75 liters)
- Temperature Range: 72-82°F (22-28°C)
- Care Level: Beginner to intermediate
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous, enjoys both flakes and freeze-dried foods
- Adult Size: Up to 1.5 inches (3.8 cm)
These fish will keep to themselves, allowing your Bolivian Rams to swim freely. Not only are they good neighbors, but their contrasting colors add to the overall beauty of your tank.
Rummy Nose Tetra
Rummy Nose Tetras are among the most vibrant and active fish that make excellent tank mates for Bolivian Rams. Known for their striking red nose and a distinct tail pattern, they thrive in peaceful aquatic environments.
- Compatibility: 4 out of 5
- Tank Size: Minimum 20 gallons (around 76 liters)
- Temperature Range: 75°-81°F (24°-27°C)
- Care Level: Easy to medium
- Temperament: Peaceful and highly social
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore; prefers a diet of both flake food and live or frozen foodstuffs.
- Adult Size: They can reach a size of 2.75 inches (approximately 7 cm).
It’s best to keep these lively swimmers in groups, as they tend to school together in the wild. Their harmonious nature easily blends with the nature of the Bolivian Rams.
Glowlight Tetra
The Glowlight Tetra is a peaceful schooling fish that beautifully illuminates the Bolivian Ram tank. Known for their enchanting, bioluminescent stripes, they bring an air of tranquility and fascination to any aquarium.
- Compatibility: 5/5 – They get along great with Bolivian Rams
- Tank Size: 20 gallons (75 liters) – This ensures ample space for swimming
- Temperature Range: 74°F-82°F (23°C-28°C) – Ideally suited to the same temperature as Bolivian Rams
- Care Level: Easy – They are highly adaptable and not overly demanding
- Temperament: Peaceful – They seldom engage in conflict
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous – They eat both plant matter and small invertebrates
- Adult Size: 2 inches (5 cm) – Similar size to Bolivian Rams
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
The White Cloud Mountain Minnow is a peaceful, schooling fish making it an ideal tank mate for Bolivian Rams. Its colourful gold and red stripes, paired with its swift and playful movements make it a feast for the eyes.
- Compatibility: 4/5
- Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons (38 liters)
- Temperature Range: 64-72°F (18-22°C)
- Care Level: Beginner
- Temperament: Peaceful and active
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous, accepts flake foods and small live foods
- Adult Size: Up to 1.5 inches (4 cm)
They prefer a highly planted tank with plenty of swimming space. These fish are hardy and able to tolerate a range of water conditions, which is another reason they’re an excellent match for Bolivian Rams.
Pearl Gourami
This species, the Pearl Gourami, is an excellent choice for your Bolivian Ram tank. It’s peaceful, elegant and exhibits a golden pearl-like coloring.
- Compatibility: 4 out of 5. This species enjoys moderate compatibility with Bolivian Rams. However, caution should be used as some Pearl Gouramis can be territorial.
- Tank Size: Minimum 30 gal (114 liters)
- Temperature Range: 75 – 80°F (24 – 27°C)
- Care Level: Moderate. This species is not overly challenging to care for but does require a bit more attention than others.
- Temperament: Generally peaceful, but can be territorial towards other Gouramis.
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous; enjoys a mix of high-quality flake food, frozen, and live foods.
- Adult Size: Up to 5 inch (12.7 cm). Despite their size and potential territorial inclinations, Pearl Gouramis could prove a beautiful addition to your tank.
Otocinclus Catfish
Otocinclus Catfish, or Oto for short, make great companions for your Bolivian Rams. Excellent algae eaters, these peaceful and small fish help keep your tank clean.
- Compatibility: 5/5. Their peaceful nature allows them to co-exist well with most fish.
- Tank Size: 20 gal (75 liters). These small creatures need room to roam, so don’t cramp them.
- Temperature Range: 72-79°F (22-26°C). These catfish prefer warmer temperatures.
- Care Level: Intermediate. Though small, Oto requires specific care to thrive.
- Temperament: Peaceful. These are not the aggressive type.
- Diet & Feeding: Herbivore. Algae is their main course.
- Adult Size: 2 in (5 cm). Despite their small size, they have a massive love for their home.
Neon Tetra
Neon Tetra is a popular choice among aquarists when picking tank mates for Bolivian Rams. Known for their vibrant colors, they add not only diversity but also aesthetic appeal to aquariums.
- Compatibility: 4 of 5 – they are peaceful and can co-exist well with Bolivian Rams.
- Tank Size: 10 gallons (38 liters) – a modest-sized tank is adequate for them.
- Temperature Range: 70-81°F (21-27°C) – they prefer warmer freshwater conditions.
- Care Level: Easy – Neon Tetras are hardy and adaptable, making them a good fish for beginners.
- Temperament: Peaceful – they adapt well to a calm community setting.
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore – they consume a variety of food, including high-quality flakes, pellets, and brine shrimp.
- Adult Size: 1.5 inches (4 cm) – they are small species that don’t require a lot of space.
Siamese Algae Eater
The Siamese Algae Eater is a phenomenal fish for a Bolivian Ram aquarium due to its peaceful nature and compatibility with different species.
- Compatibility: 4/5
- Tank Size: Minimum 20 gallons (75 liters)
- Temperature Range: 75-79°F (24-26°C)
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful, Active
- Diet & Feeding: Algae, Biofilm, Omnivorous (inclined towards plant-based food)
- Adult Size: 6 inches (15 cm)
Known for its exceptional algae-eating habits, the Siamese Algae Eater stands out for taking care of your tank’s cleanliness. It’s important to provide them with ample hiding spots and to feed them a balanced diet.
While they’re famous for eating algae, don’t rely entirely on them to clean the tank. Supplement their diet with suitable fish food, and remember to take care of other aspects of tank maintenance.
Discus Fish
Discus Fish are colorful and peaceful, making them ideal tank mates. Able to thrive in similar conditions as a Bolivian Ram, these elegant swimmers are sure to brighten any aquarium. However, they require a high amount of care due to their sensitive nature.
- Compatibility: 4 out of 5
- Tank Size: Minimum 50 gallons (190 liters)
- Temperature Range: 82°F – 88°F (28°C – 31.1°C)
- Care Level: High
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Carnivore, prefers high-quality pellets and occasional live or frozen foods.
- Adult Size: 8-10 inches (20–25 cm)
Remember to adequately research the needs of Discus Fish as their sensitivity can lead to problems in sub-optimal conditions. A well-maintained aquarium will see these stunning fish bring life and color to your underwater world.
Zebra Danio
Zebra Danios are vibrant species that are a great addition to any tank that hosts Bolivian Rams. They tend to be peaceful and can liven up your aquarium with their active swimming patterns.
- Compatibility: 4/5. Zebra Danios and Bolivian Rams coexist well due to their peaceful nature.
- Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons (~38 liters). They are active swimmers and appreciate space.
- Temperature Range: 64-75°F (18-24°C). These temperatures mimic the tropical waters of their natural habitat.
- Care Level: Easy. They are robust, making them good for beginners.
- Temperament: Peaceful. They are not likely to cause conflict in your aquarium.
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous. They enjoy a varied diet of flake, frozen, or live food.
- Adult Size: 2 inches (~5 cm). They remain relatively small throughout their life.
Bristlenose Pleco
The Bristlenose Pleco, commonly known as the bushy nose pleco, makes a relaxing and low-maintenance tank mate for your Bolivian Ram.
- Compatibility: 5/5 – They’re peaceful bottom-dwellers, rarely disturbing other aquarium inhabitants.
- Tank Size: 30 gal (114 litres) – They need adequate space to roam and explore.
- Temperature Range: 60-80°F (15-27°C) – They tolerate a wide range of water temperatures.
- Care Level: Easy – Bristlenose Plecos are not demanding, needing only basic care.
- Temperament: Peaceful – They coexist comfortably with Bolivian Rams.
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore – They enjoy live, fresh, or flake foods, but require a wood supplement as they chew on it as part of their diet.
- Adult Size: 3-5 in (7-12 cm) – They stay small compared to most Plecos, allowing for a more diverse mix of tank mates.
Corydoras Catfish
The Corydoras Catfish, known for their peaceful nature, make excellent tank mates for Bolivian Rams. With their small size and the bottom dwelling habit, they are not only fun to watch but also great tank cleaners.
- Compatibility: 5/5
- Tank Size: 20 gal (75 liters)
- Temperature Range: 72-80°F (22-27°C)
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous; feed them sinking pellets and flakes, bloodworms, and daphnia.
- Adult Size: 2.5 in (6 cm)
Although they are easy to care for, they require a tank with soft, sandy substrate to protect their sensitive barbels and belly. Well-oxygenated water and places to hide such as caves or dense plants will highly contribute to their wellness.
Swordtails
These are fantastic tank mates for your Bolivian Rams. Swordtails are notably sociable, harmoniously cohabitating with different species, including Bolivian Rams.
- Compatibility: 5 out of 5
- Tank Size: 15 gallons (57 liters) minimum
- Temperature Range: 72-82°F (22-28°C)
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous – you can feed them a mix of flakes and frozen or live foods.
- Adult Size: 4-5 inches (10-12 cm)
Do remember to maintain optimal water conditions, as Swordtails can be slightly sensitive to sudden changes. Being colorful and active, they’ll contribute to an engaging aquarium environment with Rams. Also, ensure their tank has floating plants, as they often prefer to stay towards the surface.
Cherry Barb
Cherry Barbs are colorful, peaceful, and an ideal tank mate for your Bolivian Ram. They are hardy and adapt effortlessly to various environments making them easy to care for. Additionally, they have a friendly temperament and add a touch of vibrancy to your tank.
- Compatibility: 5 out of 5
- Tank Size: Minimum 20 gallons (75 liters)
- Temperature Range: 72-82°F (22-28°C)
- Care level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous; they appreciate a diet rich in both plant-based food and meaty foods such as frozen, dried, or live foods.
- Adult Size: Up to 2 inches (about 5 cm)
Guppies
Guppies, with their vibrant colors and playful nature, are among the top choices as tank mates for Bolivian Rams. They are sociable creatures, compatible with Rams, and they both share a love for a well-planted tank.
- Compatibility: 4 out of 5
- Tank Size: Min 20 gallons (75 liters)
- Temperature Range: 72-82 °F (22-28 °C)
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore, should be fed high-quality flake food, supplemented with frozen, freeze-dried, and live foods to ensure optimal health
- Adult Size: 2 inches (5 cm)
Guppies will definitely add a dash of color and charm to your Rams’ tank, providing a harmonious and entertaining environment for your finned pets.
Harlequin Rasbora
Harlequin Rasboras are a great choice for a Bolivian Ram tank. They are peaceful, schooling fish that will happily cohabit with your Rams.
- Compatibility: 4/5. Their peaceful nature and size make them suitable companions for Bolivian Rams.
- Tank Size: Minimum 20 gal (75 liters). As they are schooling fish, they do require plenty of space.
- Temperature Range: 72-81°F (22-27°C). They prefer similar temperatures to Bolivian Rams.
- Care Level: Easy. They are hardy and ideal for novice aquarists.
- Temperament: Peaceful. They fit well in community tanks.
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous. They happily eat flake food, small live foods, and frozen dried foods.
- Adult Size: Up to 2 inches (5 cm). Their small size makes them nonthreatening to fellow tank mates.
Angelfish
Angelfish are some of the more elegant creatures you could choose as Bolivian Ram tank mates. However, they might show aggressive tendencies when they mature and grow larger, especially during breeding times. Despite this, they are generally safe to pair with your Rams.
- Compatibility: 3/5
- Tank Size: 30 gal (113 liters)
- Temperature Range: 76-82°F (24-28°C)
- Care Level: Intermediate
- Temperament: Semi-aggressive
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore – Feed them with flakes, live or frozen foods.
- Adult Size: Up to 6 inches (15.2 cm)
Clown Loach
The Clown Loach, a vibrant and active fish species, is another fantastic tank mate for your Bolivian Rams. Bright in color with a playful nature, these fish help liven up any aquarium.
- Compatibility: 4 out of 5. Clown Loaches typically get along well with Bolivian Rams.
- Tank Size: Minimum 75 gallons (285 liters). They love plenty of swimming room.
- Temperature Range: 77-86°F (25-30°C). This range is essential for their comfort.
- Care Level: Moderate. They require a clean tank and a balanced diet.
- Temperament: Peaceful. They are known to be quite sociable with other species.
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous. Loves a diet of flakes, pellets, and live foods.
- Adult Size: Up to 12 inches (30 cm). They can grow quite large, so ample space is necessary.
Cardinal Tetra
The Cardinal Tetra, native to the warm waters of South America, is a colorful and peaceful addition to your Bolivian Ram tank. As a schooling fish, they add vibrancy and dynamic movement to your setup.
- Compatibility: 4/5
- Tank Size: Minimum 20 gallons (75 liters)
- Temperature Range: 73 to 81°F (22 to 27°C)
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore, Recommend high-quality flaked food supplemented with live, freeze-dried, or frozen foods
- Adult Size: Up to 2 inches (5cm)
Cardinal Tetras share a friendly temperament with Bolivian Rams. Their small size, coupled with a similar temperature and dietary need, makes them ideal companions. Flock greater numbers for the best visual effect.
Platies
Platies are lively, colorful fish that are highly popular in the aquarium hobby. These prolific breeders are extremely peaceful, making them an ideal companion for your Bolivian Rams.
- Compatibility: 5 out of 5
- Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons (38 liters)
- Temperature Range: 70-77°F (21-25°C)
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous; they will eat flakes, pellets, live, or frozen foods
- Adult Size: 1.5-3 inches (4-7.5 cm)
Their adaptability to various water conditions and friendly demeanor make Platies a wonderful addition to your tank. However, remember to provide enough hiding spots in your tank to let them feel secure.
Dwarf Gourami
Dwarf Gouramis are colorful and personable additions to a Bolivian Ram tank. They thrive in similar conditions and are peace-loving, making them excellent tank mates.
- Compatibility: 4 out of 5
- Tank Size: Minimum 10 gal (38 liters)
- Temperature Range: 72-82°F (22-28°C)
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore; feed a varied diet of flake food, freeze-dried food, and fresh food.
- Adult Size: Up to 3.5 inches (8.9 cm)
Always remember, while Dwarf Gouramis are generally peaceful, males can be territorial with each other. Therefore, maintaining balance in the aquarium is crucial.
Black Skirt Tetra
Black Skirt Tetras are hardy community fish perfectly suited for a Bolivian Ram tank. These schooling fish bring energy and movement to your tank with their medium-sized, black-banded physique.
- Compatibility: 4/5, Very good companion for Bolivian Rams but may nip at long-finned fishes.
- Tank Size: At least 15 gal (57 liters), allowing enough space for school swimming.
- Temperature Range: 70-85°F (21-29°C), matching with Bolivian Rams’ preference.
- Care Level: Easy, making them ideal for novice aquarium enthusiasts.
- Temperament: Peaceful, yet they are active school swimmers.
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous, on which you can feed a variety of diets including flake, frozen, or small live foods.
- Adult Size: Grows to about 2 inches (5 cm), significantly smaller than Bolivian Rams.
Black Skirt Tetras’ lively behavior combined with their low care needs make them a popular choice for mixed species tanks. They get along with Bolivian Rams just fine, as long as the Rams are given their territory.
Hatchetfish
Hatchetfish are unique, surface-dwelling species with a distinctive shape, famous for their unique “hatchet” shaped bodies.
- Compatibility: 4 out of 5 – They are peaceful species, best kept in small groups.
- Tank Size: 20 gallons (75 liters) – This space allows them to comfortably swim and explore.
- Temperature Range: 73-81°F (23-27°C) – Within this range, Hatchetfish thrive best.
- Care Level: Medium – They need a secure tank due to their ability to jump really high.
- Temperament: Peaceful – They cohabitate well with other mild-mannered fish like Bolivian Rams.
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous – They prefer to eat small flies and mosquitoes but will also accept flake and dried food.
- Adult Size: 2.5 inches (approximately 6cm) – Provide enough space for them to grow to their full size.
Kuhli Loach
The Kuhli Loach is an intriguing bottom-dweller that can make a fantastic tank mate for your Bolivian Ram. These loaches are peaceful, nocturnal creatures that often play nice in a community tank. They’re best suited for aquarists who already have some basic knowledge about fish care.
- Compatibility: 4/5 – Largely peaceful, great for community tanks.
- Tank Size: Minimum 20 gal (75 liters) – They need ample bottom space.
- Temperature Range: 75-86°F (24-30°C) – Close to the range for Bolivian Rams.
- Care level: Intermediate- They require meticulous tank conditions.
- Temperament: Peaceful – Good for cohabitation.
- Diet and Feeding: Omnivorous – They help in consuming leftover food at the bottom.
- Adult Size: 4 inches (10 cm) – Takes up minimal space.
Their serpentine-like physique adds a dash of uniqueness to your tank.
Conclusion
Choosing the right tank mates for your Bolivian Ram can significantly enhance their life quality. Remember, peaceful and similar sized species make the best companions. Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
