AquariumFish.com
Freshwater fishTrue Red Terror
True Red Terror
Couldn't load pickup availability
Central and South American cichlids range from the rare atromaculatus to the common blue acara, though common is not a fair word for this uncommonly peaceful, pretty fish. AquariumFish.com imports as many as we can to provide a broad selection for our aquarists.
The TRUE red terror has a small dot on the tail as opposed to a large dot. It is much more colorful and more terrifying than the common impostor that sometimes goes by the same name.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Mesoheros festae (formerly Cichlasoma festae) |
| Origin | Pacific slope of Ecuador and Peru |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Temperament | Very aggressive (territorial) |
| Adult Size | Up to 16" |
| Lifespan | 12–15 years |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Water Temperature | 75–82°F |
| pH | 7.0–8.0 |
| Group Size | Single or pair |
| Shipping Size | Approx. 1¼" (no color yet) |
Care Guide
Tank setup: These are large, powerful cichlids, so give them a sand bottom, large rocks and driftwood. Anchor decorations well, since they dig and rearrange the tank, and use strong filtration.
Feeding: Feed a quality cichlid pellet once a day. They also enjoy frozen foods like shrimp. Avoid feeder fish, which can carry disease.
Tankmates: Keep them alone or with other large, robust cichlids and catfish that can hold their own. They will eat any fish small enough to fit in their mouth.
Good to know: These cichlids are full of personality and often learn to recognize their owners. They grow large, so check their adult size before buying.
Share
