Festivum (Mesonauta festivus)

Fish in the family Cichlidae. Moderate care. Freshwater.

Quick facts

Scientific nameMesonauta festivus

FamilyCichlidae

Also known asFlag Cichlid, Festive Cichlid, Barred Cichlid

Care levelModerate

Reef safetyFreshwater

TemperamentPeaceful

Dietomnivore

Adult size6 in

Minimum tank size55 gallons

Water parametersTemp 76-84°F, pH 5.5-7.5, GH 2-12 dGH

Appearance

Silvery body with a diagonal black stripe from snout through the eye to the dorsal fin and faint vertical bars.

Difficulty and care for the Festivum

Moderate

Origin and habitat

Amazon Basin and Paraguay drainage, South America

Keeper notes

Shy and peaceful; one of the few cichlids often kept with discus and angelfish. Does best in groups; easily bullied by aggressive cichlids.

Log Festivum in your reef tank

Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Festivum alongside everything else in your reef.

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