Festive Cichlid
Mesonauta festivus
Mesonauta festivus reaches 12 to 15 cm. Its body is deep and compressed, silvery to light gray, with a broad black oblique band from the eye to the back. The fins are yellowish, sometimes with bluish reflections. It is a gregarious and peaceful fish that lives in groups. It is omnivorous and readily accepts prepared foods. In the aquarium, it is active but non-aggressive. Breeding occurs on a hard substrate (stone, leaf) and the parents protect the eggs and fry. It is hardy and tolerant of varied water conditions.
Recommended parameters
| Parameter | Recommended range |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 24–28 |
| pH | 6–7.5 |
| GH | 4–10 |
| KH | 2–6 |
| NO₃ | ≤ 30 |
| PO₄ | ≤ 1 |
Care
Care notes
A minimum 150-liter aquarium is recommended for a group of 4 to 6 individuals. Water can be neutral to slightly acidic (pH 6.0-7.5) and medium hardness (GH 4-10), with a temperature of 24-28°C. Moderate filtration and standard lighting are suitable. Diet is omnivorous: flakes, pellets, brine shrimp, bloodworms, and vegetables. Avoid very small or aggressive fish; medium-sized tetras, corydoras, and angelfish are compatible. Provide open swimming areas and hiding places. Regular water changes (20% per week) maintain quality. Breeding is easy in a community tank.