Mesonauta festivus

Common Names:

Festivum
Flag Cichlid

Synonyms:

Heros festivus

Family:

Cichlidae

Category:

Cichlids

Distribution:

America - South; Amazon Basin, South America.

Main Ecosystem:

River; River

Temperament:

Peaceful; Peaceful, but territorial. Can be timid towards larger, more aggressive fish.

Diet:

Carnivore; Carnivore

Care:

Vegetable based flakes and blood worms are the preferred food. A tank with hiding places withn dense vegatation around the edges is required or the Festivum may become too timid to eat. Small fish, such as <a href="../characins/neon.asp">Neons</a> will be eaten by adults. Frequent water changes are required as this species is sensitive to bad water conditions.

pH:

6 - 8

Temperature:

25°C - 30°C

77°F - 86°F

Hardness:

4 dH - 8 dH

Potential Size:

Male: 17cm (6.7")
Female: 17cm (6.7")

Water Region:

All; All

Activity:

Diurnal; Diurnal

Gender:

Adult males have slightly longer fins.

Breeding:

Difficult. Broad, flat rocks are required for spawning. Use a pH of 6.5 and peat filtration to soften and condition the water. Ammonia and nitrates must be minimal. Do not remove the parents as they guard the eggs.

Variants:

Comments:

<a href="angelfish.asp">Angelfish</a> are an excellent tank mate for this species.

Main Colours:

Silver, Black

Markings:

Not Specified

Mouth:

Normal

Tail:

Convex

Search:

Image Credit:

Submitted By:

Adam

History:

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