The Festivum Cichlid (4–5 cm), also known as the Flag Cichlid, is a calm and graceful freshwater fish native to the Amazon and Orinoco River basins of South America. With its distinctive high-bodied shape and horizontal black stripe running from eye to tail, the Festivum offers a gentle temperament and low-maintenance care, making it an excellent choice for community aquariums.

Unlike many of its more aggressive cichlid cousins, the Festivum is peaceful, social, and gets along well with a variety of tank mates. As juveniles (like the 4–5 cm size offered here), they settle easily into new environments and quickly become active, curious members of the aquarium community.

🐟 Key Features:

• Scientific Name: Mesonauta festivus

• Common Name: Festivum Cichlid / Flag Cichlid

• Current Size: 4–5 cm (juvenile)

• Adult Size: Up to 12–15 cm

• Origin: South America (Amazon and Orinoco basins)

💧 Water Conditions:

• Temperature: 24–28°C (75–82°F)

• pH Range: 6.0–7.5

• Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water (2–15 dGH)

• Tank Size: Minimum 100 liters (for a pair or small group)

• Aquarium Setup: Planted tank with driftwood, hiding spots, and calm water flow

The Festivum thrives in well-filtered, stable water conditions and prefers aquariums that replicate their natural habitat — with floating plants, subdued lighting, and lots of swimming space.

🧠 Temperament & Behavior:

• Temperament: Peaceful and community-friendly

• Social Behavior: Can be kept solo, in pairs, or peaceful groups

• Tank Position: Mid to upper levels

• Compatibility: Ideal for mixed-species tanks with other calm fish

🤝 Ideal Tank Mates:

• Tetras (e.g., Cardinal, Rummy-nose)

• Corydoras catfish

• Dwarf Gouramis

• Peaceful Barbs (e.g., Cherry Barb)

• Rams and Apistos (dwarf cichlids)

• Avoid: Aggressive cichlids (e.g., Convicts, Jack Dempsey), Fin-nippers

🥗 Feeding Habits:

• Diet: Omnivorous

• Accepts a wide variety of foods:

  • High-quality flakes or micro pellets

  • Frozen or live foods (bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia)

  • Blanched vegetables (spinach, zucchini)

• Feed 1–2 times per day, in amounts that can be consumed within 2–3 minutes

Festivum Cichlids have healthy appetites and benefit from a balanced diet that supports both color and energy.

🛠️ Care & Maintenance:

• Change 20–30% of the water weekly

• Maintain stable water parameters

• Provide shaded areas and open swimming zones

• Use a secure lid — they may jump if startled

• Monitor for breeding behavior: pairs form strong bonds and may guard eggs

🌟 Why Choose the Festivum Cichlid?

• Ideal for peaceful aquascapes and planted tanks

• Less aggressive than most medium-sized cichlids