Bring gentle cichlid character to your community tank with Bolivian Butterfly 4-4.5cm. Sometimes simply called Bolivian Butterfly, this species is known for its calm temperament, attractive yellow‑gold body, red and blue highlights and elegant, extended fins.
At 4–4.5cm, these Bolivian Butterfly are juveniles to young adults – big enough to be hardy and confident, but still with room to grow, colour up and form pairs in your aquarium.
Bolivian Butterfly 4-4.5cm – Overview
- Common name: Bolivian Butterfly
- Scientific name: Mikrogeophagus altispinosus
- Size: Approximately 4–4.5cm (selling size)
- Adult size: Around 7–8cm
- Temperament: Peaceful dwarf cichlid
- Tank level: Mostly bottom and mid‑level
Bolivian Butterfly 4-4.5cm are more forgiving and hardy than many other dwarf cichlids, making them a great choice for aquarists who want cichlid behaviour without extreme water parameter demands.
Ideal Tank Setup for Bolivian Butterfly 4-4.5cm
To help Bolivian Butterfly 4-4.5cm feel secure and show their best colours, aim for:
- Tank size: Minimum 2.5–3ft for a pair or small group
- Substrate: Fine sand or smooth gravel for natural foraging
- Aquascape: Driftwood, rocks and plants to create territories and hiding spots
- Lighting: Moderate, with shaded areas and open swimming space
A planted tank with gentle flow and plenty of structure works perfectly for Bolivian Butterfly.
Water Parameters for Bolivian Butterfly 4-4.5cm
Bolivian Butterfly’s appreciate stable, clean water more than anything else. Ideal parameters:
- Temperature: 24–28°C
- pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (around 6.0–7.5)
- Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water
- Filtration: Gentle but efficient, with regular water changes
Avoid sudden swings in temperature or pH. Consistency is key for keeping Bolivian Butterfly 4-4.5cm healthy and stress‑free.
Tank Mates for Bolivian Butterfly
Bolivian Butterfly 4-4.5cm are peaceful and compatible with many community fish, including:
- Small to medium tetras
- Rasboras and peaceful barbs
- Corydoras and other small catfish
- Small peaceful gourami
- Other calm dwarf cichlids in larger tanks with clear territories
Avoid large, aggressive cichlids or fin‑nippers that may harass or outcompete your Bolivian Rams.
Feeding Bolivian Butterfly 4-4.5cm
In the wild, Bolivian Butterfly feed on small invertebrates and organic matter picked from the substrate. In the aquarium, Bolivian Butterfly 4-4.5cm readily accept:
- Quality sinking pellets and micro‑pellets
- Fine granules and soft cichlid foods
- Frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia and bloodworm
- Occasional live foods as a treat
Feed small amounts 1–2 times per day, making sure all food is eaten within a few minutes. A varied, high‑quality diet helps bring out their colours and supports long‑term health.
Behaviour and Breeding
Bolivian Butterfly 4-4.5cm are social, intelligent fish that:
- Often form pairs and defend small territories
- Display courtship behaviour and may spawn on flat stones or open substrate
- Show interesting parental care if conditions are right
Provide flat surfaces, gentle tank mates and stable water, and you may see natural breeding behaviour from your Bolivian Butterfly.
