Bolivian Rams appear to have a fluid 'stop-and-go' method of swimming, in which they typically move for a few paces, pause abruptly, then move again. In this, their bodily control is remarkable in that they appear to not be carried by momentum while stopping; they appear to 'freeze' instantaneously in place and 'hover,' before moving again. This is likely due to their instinctive drive to sift carefully through substrate for food, so as not to stir up debris with their fins. As such, they are generally bottom-feeders and typically will not venture into the higher regions of the aquarium. Their swimming style is usually gentle and graceful, but they can move surprisingly quickly when evading predators or chasing away territorial invaders.