Breeding Bolivian Butterfly (Mikrogeophagus Altispinosus) In The Aquarium

Occurrence

A freshwater species that naturally inhabits the Madeira, Guaporé, Mamoré and Orthon rivers in Bolivia and Brazil, their tributaries, floodplains and surrounding lakes - wherever the substrate is sandy or muddy, with plants and other shelters.

Appearance

The fish's coloration is a mix of yellow-orange in the front of the body and blue-grey in the rear. Characteristic signs are a black spot in the middle of the body, a black streak passing through the eye and black first, partially branched dorsal fin rays. All fins are blueish-yellow with a red margin. It is wider on the lower fins. Unlike the Ramirezi cichlid, iridescent blue spots occur only on the anal fin. The male is larger than the female, has more elongated fins and is more brightly coloured.

Disposition

This is a smart, calm, and even shy species that cannot be kept with aggressive, territorial or very active mates. The best solution are small groups of schooling, mild fish. The Bolivian cichlid itself feels good in the company of its own species, so it is good to have a group of at least 6 of these fish, in an equal ratio of males and females. Remember that males are territorial. Fish mostly stay in the lower parts of the water and prefer sinking food.

Aquarium

The Bolivian cichlid prefers spacious aquariums with soft, fine-grained substrate - preferably sand. This is important because of the way the fish feeds - it sifts the substrate in search of food, taking it in its mouth and removing it through its gills. Hiding places among roots, branches and round stones are also necessary. Plants, including floating ones, are indicated - anubias, cryptocoryne, frogbit, sagittaria, microsorum, water hyacinth, and Java moss can be used. Avoid placing these plants directly in the substrate. Also, avoid strong water flow and bright lighting. The water must be clean (no nitrates and ammonia) and chemically stable - an effective filter and regular small water changes are required.

Reproduction

An oviparous species. Fish pair up themselves from a larger group. The female lays eggs near the substrate, on a hard and flat surface, which both parents clean beforehand. The female lays eggs in batches, which the male then fertilizes, and the whole process is repeated. Stressed parents, especially inexperienced ones, might eat the eggs. After laying and fertilizing all the eggs (about 100), the parents move them to a previously dug pit in the substrate and both carefully look after the offspring. The female oxygenates the eggs with her tail, the male guards the territory. Larvae hatch after 2-3 days, after another 7 days the fry freely swim in search of food. The fry is very sensitive to water quality.