Flag cichlid
Mesonauta festivus
FishFreshwater
- Care level
- Moderate
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Recommended tank
- 200 L
- Maximum size
- 15 cm
- Temperature
- 24–28 °C
- pH
- 6–7.5
- Group size
- ≥ 4
- Diet
- Omnivore
Care at a glance
The flag cichlid has a body shape similar to a small angelfish, but a calmer temperament and none of the long fin extensions. Its most striking feature is the broad, diagonal black stripe running from the eye to the dorsal fin. In the wild it swims in loose groups over flooded bank vegetation in the Amazon basin.
In the aquarium it's one of the most peaceful South American cichlids and combines well with other calm community fish, including angelfish themselves. Give it hiding places among roots and plants, soft to moderately hard water and regular water changes; it isn't fussy about food and eats both dry and live food.
Related species
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