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Freshwater fishFestivus Cichlid
Festivus Cichlid
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The festivus cichlid, also called simply festivum, comes from Venezuela. Another name for the cichlid is the flag cichlid. These fish were first kept in aquariums by Germans back in 1908. Despite the long history, these fish are wild-caught and not often seen in the aquarium trade, though they were once common. The peaceful behavior, unique body structure and bold angular line across the body make the cichlid a great addition to the fish tank.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Mesonauta festivus |
| Origin | Amazon and Paraguay basins (Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Paraguay) |
| Care Level | Easy to moderate |
| Temperament | Peaceful for a cichlid |
| Adult Size | Up to 6" |
| Lifespan | 8–10 years |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Water Temperature | 76–84°F |
| pH | 5.5–7.0 |
| Group Size | Single, pair or small group |
| Shipping Size | Approx. 2" |
Care Guide
Tank setup: Give them a sand or fine gravel bottom, driftwood, rocks and sturdy plants. Good filtration is important, since these cichlids grow large and produce a lot of waste.
Feeding: Feed a quality cichlid pellet or flake once or twice a day. They also enjoy frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp.
Tankmates: They do well with other peaceful South American cichlids of similar size like angelfish, eartheaters and severums, plus larger tetras, silver dollars and plecos. They may eat very small fish.
Good to know: These cichlids are known for their personality and often learn to recognize their owners.
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