© Citron / CC BY-SA 3.0Flag Cichlid
The Flag Cichlid is a South American species named for the bold black stripe that runs diagonally from its snout through the eye to the base of the dorsal fin, resembling a banner. Its body is tall and laterally compressed, giving it a graceful, unhurried presence in the tank. Festivums are known for their calm temperament, making them easier to keep alongside other fish than many cichlid relatives. Reaching a manageable 10 to 12 cm as adults, they don't require an oversized setup, which makes them a good choice for beginners. Set against a backdrop of live plants and floating vegetation, their striking pattern and relaxed swimming style make them a natural centerpiece for a nature aquarium.
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Apply as a breederFlag Cichlid key facts
- Care level
- Beginner-friendly
- Lifespan
- 5-8 years
- Size
- 10-12cm
- Temperature
- 24〜28℃
- Diet
- Prepared foods, frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp, vegetable matter
- Tank
- 120 x 38cm (about 137 litres) or larger. Provide cover with wood and plants; floating plants over the surface help it settle.
- Water Temperature & Quality
- 24-28C, pH 6.0-8.0 with around 6.5 suggested, hardness up to 5 dGH.
- Tank Mates
- Peaceful, and suits eartheaters, Apistogramma, tetras, barbs and small catfish. It turns more aggressive when breeding.
- Diet & Feeding
- It accepts the majority of prepared foods. Supplement with frozen bloodworm and brine shrimp, plus some vegetable matter.
- Breeding & Spawning
- In excess of 200 eggs are laid on a flat stone. They hatch in two to three days, and fry are free-swimming three to four days later.
- Health & Notes
- It may jump when startled, so always keep the tank covered.
About Flag Cichlid
A beginner-friendly guide to the Flag Cichlid, a calm South American species known for its diagonal black stripe and an adult size of 10 to 12 cm.
7 things to know before welcoming a Flag Cichlid
1A Calm, Sociable Cichlid
Festivums are one of the more even-tempered cichlids, making them easier to house with similarly sized tankmates. That said, any fish small enough to fit in their mouth may be seen as food, so choose tankmates with their size in mind.
2Pairs Well with Planted Tanks
Their tall, laterally compressed body and unhurried swimming style stand out beautifully against live plants and floating vegetation. Since they may nibble or dig around soft-leaved plants while foraging or defending territory, hardy or rhizome-attached plants tend to hold up better.
3Adult Size and Tank Space
Adults reach about 10 to 12 cm, and their tall body gives them more presence than the length alone suggests. A single fish can do fine in a tank around 60 cm, but a roomier setup helps reduce stress when housing them with other fish.
4Water Quality and Temperature
Like many South American cichlids, festivums are sensitive to sudden shifts in water quality and temperature. Careful acclimation when introducing them, plus regular water changes, go a long way toward keeping them healthy.
5An Omnivore's Varied Diet
Festivums are omnivores that accept everything from prepared pellets to frozen and live foods. Feeding a varied diet rather than relying on one food type supports both their coloration and overall condition.
6Daily Health Checks
The depth of color in their signature black stripe and the sheen of their skin are useful indicators of condition. A drop in appetite or clamped fins can signal poor water quality or stress, so it's worth addressing promptly.
7Preparing Before You Bring One Home
Before bringing a festivum home, set up hiding spots like driftwood and finish cycling the tank so it settles in more easily. They often stay tucked away while adjusting to a new environment, so give them time rather than rushing things.
Frequently asked questions about Flag Cichlid
- Q.Is the Flag Cichlid suitable for beginners?
- A.Yes, its calm temperament and manageable size make it a good choice for beginner aquarists. Avoiding sudden changes in water quality and acclimating it carefully during introduction will help keep it thriving.
- Q.Can it be kept with other fish?
- A.Festivums are relatively peaceful for a cichlid and generally do well with similarly sized tankmates. Just keep in mind that any fish small enough to fit in their mouth may end up as prey.
- Q.Is it safe to keep in a planted tank?
- A.Yes, it pairs well with live plants and floating vegetation. Since it may nibble or dig around softer plants, hardy or rhizome-attached species tend to fare better.
- Q.How large does it grow?
- A.Adults typically reach about 10 to 12 cm. Its tall, deep body gives it more visual presence than its length alone suggests.
- Q.Are there any legal restrictions on keeping it?
- A.The Flag Cichlid is not subject to CITES.
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