[Ebook] 500 freshwater aquarium fish – Cichlids – Festive Cichlid (Mesonauta festivus)

This is an old favorite, first introduced into Europe in 1908 and bred in captivity a year later. Despite this, there is still some doubt regarding the true identity of the species, with a school of thought leaning toward the “festivus” from the Rio Negro being renamed Mesonauta insignis and those from other areas being regarded as the “true” Mesonauta festivus.

Other common names

• Flag Cichlid, Festivum

Synonym

• Mesonauta festiva

Distribution

• Amazon basin, but may exist elsewhere, e.g. Guyana.

Size

• Up to 8in (20cm) reported, but usually smaller.

Behavior

• Territorial at breeding time, but otherwise can be timid.

Diet

• All foods accepted.

Aquarium

• Spacious and well planted, with adequate shelter and at least one flat- topped or smooth, rounded rock. Water chemistry not critical, but soft, slightly acid conditions preferred. Temperature range: 72-77°F (22-25°C); slightly higher for breeding.

Breeding

• Eggs are laid on a precleaned site, which can be a broadleaved plant or a rock. Eggs and fry are protected by both parents.