Source: Wikimedia Commons
Flag Cichlid
BeginnerMesonauta festivus
A South American cichlid marked by a dark band running diagonally from the snout through the eye to the rear of the dorsal fin, on a deep, laterally compressed body. Peaceful and easy to combine with other fish, it shows well in a planted tank.
Difficulty
Beginner
Temperature
24〜28℃
Lifespan
5-8 years
Size
10-12cm
Diet
Prepared foods, frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp, vegetable matter
About
Mesonauta festivus occurs in the Paraguay drainage of the Paraná basin and in the Guaporé, Madre de Dios, Mamoré, Jamari and Tapajós drainages of the Amazon basin. A dark band runs diagonally from the snout through the eye to the rear of the dorsal fin, there is a dark blotch on the caudal peduncle, and the body is deep and laterally compressed. FishBase records a maximum of 12.1cm SL, while Seriously Fish gives 10cm. Seriously Fish recommends a 120 x 38cm tank (about 137 litres) at 24-28C, pH 6.0-8.0 with around 6.5 suggested, and hardness up to 5 dGH. It is a peaceful cichlid that can be housed with eartheaters, Apistogramma, tetras, barbs and small catfish, though it becomes more aggressive when breeding. A generalist omnivore, it accepts most prepared foods. It lays in excess of 200 eggs on a flat stone; these hatch in two to three days and the fry are free-swimming three to four days later.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Lifespan of the Flag Cichlid
The Flag Cichlid lives 5-8 years.
Size of the Flag Cichlid
The Flag Cichlid grows to 10-12cm.
Temperature & humidity for the Flag Cichlid
The ideal temperature for the Flag Cichlid is 24〜28℃.
Basic Info
Origin
South America: Paraná basin (Paraguay drainage) and Amazon basin (Guaporé, Mamoré, Tapajós and others)
Lifespan
5-8 years
Care Specifications
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Accepted name: Mesonauta festivus Heckel, 1840
Authority databases: FishBase
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Regulations & Conservation Status
Not CITES-listedIUCN LC · Least Concern
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / FishBase (IUCN assessment: LC)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Flag Cichlid Listings
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