Red Terror (Mesoheros festae)

Fish in the family Cichlidae. Hard care. Freshwater.

Quick facts

Scientific nameMesoheros festae

FamilyCichlidae

Also known asTrue Red Terror, Cichlasoma festae, Festae, Guayas Cichlid

Care levelHard

Reef safetyFreshwater

TemperamentAggressive

DietCarnivore

Adult size16 in

Minimum tank size150 gallons

Water parametersTemp 75-82°F, pH 6.5-8.0, GH 8-25 dGH

Appearance

Large cichlid; males green-grey with blue spangling, females flush brilliant red with black bars and a tail eyespot when in breeding condition.

Difficulty and care for the Red Terror

Hard

Origin and habitat

South America (Pacific slope, Ecuador and Peru)

Keeper notes

Aptly named — one of the most aggressive large cichlids; spawning pairs are extremely dangerous to tankmates. Often kept singly.

Log Red Terror in your reef tank

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