Flag Cichlid

Mesonauta festivus is broadly distributed across the Amazon basin and parts of Central America, inhabiting slow-moving and heavily vegetated waters. Its most distinguishing feature is the bold dark stripe running diagonally from the snout tip through the eye to the first rays of the dorsal fin — a clear flag-like marking. It is one of the most docile cichlids and can even be kept in large planted community tanks with peaceful fish, making it unusual among its relatives.

Water: 24–30°C, pH 6.5–7.5, soft to moderate hardness (GH 4–15). Tank: 200L minimum; tall, heavily planted tank; gentle to moderate flow; dark substrate. Feeding: Omnivore; quality flakes, pellets, frozen foods, and vegetable matter. Behaviour: Peaceful for a cichlid; only territorial when breeding; can coexist in large planted communities. Compatibility: Suitable with large peaceful fish — angels, large tetras, peaceful catfish, and discus in ideal conditions.