Bolivian Butterfly Cichlid — a Cichlidae from 南美洲, assertive but manageable with space and structure. Reaches 4.2–6.2 cm; singly, in pairs, or as a harem — never crowded. 22–26 °C.
Care parameters
Water temperature
22–26 °C
pH
5–6
GH hardness
5–12 dGH
Adult length
4.2–6.2 cm
Minimum tank
46 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Assertive but manageable with space and structure
Origin
南美洲
Species overview
Mikrogeophagus altispinosus is a Cichlidae from 南美洲. A thinking fish that rearranges décor and learns its keeper — and punishes bare, crowded tanks. It lives on the bottom. Adults reach 4.2–6.2 cm. Singly, in pairs, or as a harem — never crowded. Over-filter for its messy habits, aquascape with rock walls, and respect its claimed corner. Maintain 22–26 °C at pH 5–6. Best suited to a keeper who can match its natural water.
Native biotope
Habitat
Lakes and slow rivers with structure
Flow
Still to gentle current
Dissolved O₂
Moderate
Aquascape & hardware
Substrate
Sand with rock piles
Hardscape
Stones, caves and broken lines of sight
Plants
Hardy species that tolerate digging
Temperament, diet & tankmates
Schooling
Singly, in pairs, or as a harem — never crowded
Diet
Accepts all foods; emphasise quality over variety
Recommended tankmates
Large robust catfish — Ignore the posturing below
Avoid keeping with
Small or timid fish — Bullied relentlessly
Breeding & notes
Sexual dimorphism
Often striking; males larger and brighter
Breeding method
Cave or substrate spawner with prolonged parental care