Aquarium species profile

Festivum Cichlid

Mesonauta festivus · South America (Amazon/Orinoco Basins)

Minimum tank55 gal

Adult size6"

Care levelIntermediate

TemperamentSemi-aggressive

Temperature76–82°F

pH range6.0–7.5

Diet

Omnivore – cichlid pellets, live/frozen foods, vegetables

Compatible tank mates

Large tetras, plecos, eartheaters, peaceful SA cichlids

Tank mates to avoid

Small fish (may be eaten), fin-nippers

Care notes

Striking diagonal black stripe from mouth to dorsal. Tall-bodied, similar shape to angelfish. Peaceful for a cichlid — can often be kept with larger community fish.

Check the whole aquarium. Tank size alone does not establish compatibility. Confirm adult size, water overlap, social grouping, territory, diet, and the individual animals before stocking.

Check compatibility in Fishician