Festivum Cichlid M-ML
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🐟 Festivum Cichlid (Mesonauta festivus) Care Sheet
🔹 Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Common Names | Festivum Cichlid, Flag Cichlid |
| Scientific Name | Mesonauta festivus |
| Origin | Amazon & Orinoco River Basins (South America) |
| Adult Size | 13–15 cm (5–6 inches) |
| Lifespan | 8–10 years |
| Temperament | Peaceful to semi-aggressive when breeding |
| Tank Level | Mid to upper |
🔹 Tank Setup
| Parameter | Ideal Range |
|---|---|
| Tank Size | 40+ gallons (larger for pairs or community setups) |
| Temperature | 24–28°C (75–82°F) |
| pH | 6.0–7.5 |
| Water Hardness | 2–15 dGH |
| Substrate | Fine sand or smooth gravel |
| Decor | Driftwood, rocks, live or artificial plants |
| Lighting | Moderate to subdued |
| Filtration | Gentle but efficient filtration; low current |
Tips:
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Provide dense vegetation and open areas for swimming.
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Regular partial water changes (25–30% weekly) help maintain water quality.
🔹 Diet
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Type: Omnivorous
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Best Foods:
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High-quality flakes or pellets
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Live/frozen foods (brine shrimp, bloodworms, daphnia)
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Vegetables (blanched spinach, peas, cucumber)
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Feeding Frequency: 2–3 times daily in small portions
🔹 Behavior & Compatibility
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Generally peaceful, especially compared to most cichlids.
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Can be shy if housed with boisterous species.
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Exhibits territorial behavior during breeding.
🧭 Tank Mate Guide
✅ Compatible Species
Peaceful or mildly assertive fish of similar size:
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Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare)
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Keyhole Cichlid (Cleithracara maronii)
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Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia spp.)
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Severum Cichlid (Heros efasciatus)
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Corydoras Catfish
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Bristlenose Pleco (Ancistrus spp.)
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Larger Tetras: Bleeding Heart, Black Skirt, or Emperor Tetra
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Swordtails, Mollies, or Platies (peaceful varieties)
⚠️ Avoid or Use Caution With
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Aggressive cichlids: Convict, Jack Dempsey, Green Terror, or Oscars
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Fin nippers: Tiger Barbs, Serpae Tetras
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Tiny species: Neon Tetras, small Rasboras (may be harassed or eaten)
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Overly active fish: Large Danios or Silver Dollars can stress them
🐣 Breeding Info
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Pair Forming: Natural pairs; will bond over time
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Spawning Site: Flat rock, leaf, or glass surface
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Parental Care: Both parents guard eggs and fry
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Fry Feeding: Newly hatched brine shrimp or crushed flake after free-swimming stage
🌿 Fun Facts
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Known for their graceful swimming and diagonal posture, resembling a flag.
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Can recognize their caretakers and often greet them at the glass.
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Often used as a “centerpiece fish” in peaceful South American aquariums.
