All fish / Cichlidae

Festivum Cichlid

Mesonauta festivus

Also known as festivum, flag cichlid, barred cichlid, festive cichlid, festivum cichlid, フェスティバム, 旗帜鱼, 旗帜慈鲷

A tall, laterally compressed cichlid with a bold dark diagonal stripe running from the mouth to the tip of the dorsal fin over a yellowish to greenish body. It is kept for its unusual looks and its fairly calm nature compared with many cichlids, and it suits planted tanks with soft water and floating cover.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

10 cm

Temperature

24 to 30 °C

pH

5.5 to 7.5

Smallest tank

200 litres

Keep as

A pair or a small group of 5 to 6

Diet

Omnivore: quality pellets and flakes, bloodworm, brine shrimp, insect larvae and some vegetable matter

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

8 to 10 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Amazon basin in Bolivia and Brazil, and the Paraguay and Paraná basins in Paraguay and Argentina

Breeding

Pairs lay eggs on a leaf or flat surface and both parents guard the eggs and free swimming fry. Spawning is reasonably achievable in soft, slightly acidic water once a compatible pair has formed, often by growing up a group together.

Good to know

It can be shy and may be bullied by boisterous tankmates, while it will eat very small fish such as neon tetras. Several similar Mesonauta species are sold under the same name.