Description

Festivum Cichlid – Mesonauta festivus

The Festivum Cichlid is a graceful South American cichlid that has earned a reputation as one of the more peaceful members of the cichlid family. Native to the slow-moving rivers and flooded forests of the Amazon Basin, these elegant fish are characterised by their laterally compressed bodies, distinctive black eye stripe and gentle temperament.

Unlike many larger cichlids, Festivums are well suited to peaceful community aquariums with similarly sized tank mates. They are naturally curious fish that spend much of their time exploring the aquarium and weaving through plants and branches.

Festivum Cichlid Set Up

Festivums appreciate a well-planted aquarium with plenty of bogwood, branches and shaded areas that replicate their natural habitat. Although they enjoy cover, they also require open swimming space and will often occupy the middle and upper levels of the aquarium.

A fine sand substrate is ideal, although smooth gravel is also suitable. Good water quality is essential, and regular water changes will help keep these fish in excellent condition. Like many South American species, they prefer soft to moderately hard water with gentle water movement rather than excessive flow.

Behaviour

Festivum Cichlids are peaceful, intelligent fish that quickly become aware of activity outside the aquarium. They are naturally inquisitive and are often seen investigating décor, browsing amongst plants and interacting with other members of their group.

Unlike many cichlids, Festivums rarely spend their time searching for confrontation. They are generally calm fish that coexist well with other peaceful species, although they will defend a territory when spawning. During breeding they become attentive parents, carefully guarding their eggs and fry until the young are free swimming.

One particularly interesting behaviour is their tendency to swim amongst tall plants and pieces of wood, using them as cover while remaining surprisingly visible throughout the day.

Tank Mates

Festivums make excellent community cichlids when housed with peaceful species of a similar size. Suitable companions include larger tetras, peaceful Geophagus species, Severums, Keyhole Cichlids, Corydoras, larger Loricariid catfish and peaceful Rainbowfish.

Avoid keeping them with very aggressive Central American cichlids or highly territorial species that may outcompete them for food or space. Very small fish may also be viewed as prey once the Festivums reach adult size.

Feeding

Festivum Cichlids are omnivores and should be offered a varied diet consisting of quality cichlid pellets, flakes and frozen or live foods such as bloodworm, brineshrimp, mysis shrimp and daphnia. Vegetable matter should also form part of their diet, with foods containing spirulina helping to provide a balanced nutritional profile.

Why We Recommend Festivum Cichlids

Festivums are one of our favourite South American cichlids for aquarists looking for a peaceful centrepiece fish with plenty of personality. They offer all of the intelligence and fascinating behaviour associated with cichlids, but without the aggression that many people expect from the group.

Their elegant shape, calm nature and attractive markings make them an excellent choice for larger planted aquariums and Amazon biotope displays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Festivum Cichlids aggressive?

No. Festivums are considered one of the more peaceful cichlid species. They may become territorial while breeding, but outside of spawning they are generally calm community fish.

How many Festivum Cichlids should I keep?

Young fish can be grown on in small groups, but adults are most commonly kept as a compatible pair or alongside other peaceful cichlids in larger aquariums.

Do Festivum Cichlids eat plants?

Unlike many larger cichlids, Festivums are generally considered safe with robust aquarium plants. They may occasionally nibble soft leaves but rarely cause significant damage in a well-fed aquarium.

Are Festivums suitable for a community aquarium?

Yes. They are one of the best choices for aquarists wanting a peaceful South American cichlid. They coexist well with many similarly sized community fish provided the aquarium is large enough.

What size aquarium do Festivum Cichlids need?

We recommend an aquarium of at least 120cm (4ft) in length for adult Festivums. Their active swimming behaviour and adult size mean they appreciate plenty of open swimming space, particularly when kept as a pair.

If you have any questions about keeping the Festivum Cichlid, please contact us and a member of our team will be able to advise you.

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