Common Name Festivum Scientific Name Mesonauta Festivus Origin Guyana Adult Size 6 inches Life Span 10 years or longer Sexual Identification Male: May be a bit hard to determine differences, but it may be easier when they begin to court and spawn. Behavior Festivums are peaceful, shy Cichlids; however, like most Cichlids, they are somewhat territorial. This medium sized Cichlid requires a minimum aquarium of 75 gallons long, with ample swimming room, mid to dense hardy vegetation, driftwood, roots, large, smooth, flat rocks, slate, dark substrate, dim lighting, strong filtration. This fish is very sensitive to its water parameters, so water quality should not be allowed to become poor. Frequent water changes should be done for this and all Cichlids in order to keep them healthy. This Cichlid enjoys those of its own kind, so make sure to keep them in small schools of at least 4 or more. Festivums can be seen in the albino form as well; however, this is not as common. Water Environment pH: 6.5, Hardness: 5 dGH, Temperature: 73-78º F, Water: slightly acid - soft water. Diet Carnivorous: Small live foods, frozen bloodworms, frozen Tubifex worms, frozen worms of any kind, live worms, water fleas. Reproduction Egglayer: The pair will breed and the female will then lay her eggs on a smooth/flat rock or on a wide leafed plant. She will prepare the spot by first cleaning it off. The female can lay up to 500 eggs. Both the female and male will take part in guarding their brood. Plant Compatibility Sagittaria, Vallisneria, Cryptocorynes, Anubias, Anubias Nana, Tiger Lotus, Aponogetons. Tips Very sensitive to poor water quality.

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