Mikrogeophagus altispinosus is a species of fish endemic to the southern Amazon River basin in Brazil and Bolivia.

[3][4][5] The species occurs in the soft, near-neutral (pH 6.3–7.6) and warm waters of the Mamoré and lower Guaporé River drainages in Bolivia and Brazil.

[4] After courtship, the female deposits some 100–200 ovoid, brownish-coloured eggs on the chosen surface, normally a flattened stone, but occasionally a leaf.

[4] Although less popular than its close relative Mikrogeophagus ramirezi, the Bolivian ram remains a commonly encountered cichlid for the aquarium.

[9] So, M. altispinosus can be kept in some community aquariums, but assertive, active, or aggressive-feeding fish are not ideal companions for this relatively shy species.

[citation needed] An aquarium which mimics the natural environment of the species, i.e.: soft, acidic water with hiding places in the form of dense planted regions, or bogwood, is recommended.

[9] Aquarists classify M. altispinosus as a dwarf cichlid, and as such, it can be kept in relatively small aquaria, with minimum volumes being 80 L (20 gal).