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Care and Compatibility of Flag Cichlid - Mesonauta festivus
Introduction
The Flag Cichlid is known for its colorful and unique patterns. Males often have more intense and attractive colors than females. They can display shades of blue, green, red, and yellow on their body and fins. It is a medium-sized fish and can reach up to about 15 centimeters in length.
Behavior
The Flag Cichlid, scientifically known as Mesonauta festivus, is a popular cichlid species in the aquarium hobby. It is known for its vibrant coloration and interesting behavior. It has a laterally compressed body and an elongated dorsal fin that resembles a flag.
Sexual Dimorphism
Sexual dimorphism in Mesonauta festivus is minimal and difficult to distinguish. Both males and females have a similar appearance, although males may be slightly larger and have more developed fins.
Reproduction
Breeding Flag Cichlids can be challenging and requires suitable conditions in the aquarium. Males often build nests and court females. After fertilization, the parents may care for and protect the eggs and fry. It is recommended to provide hiding places and floating plants in the aquarium to create a conducive breeding environment.
Aquarium Conditions
Mesonauta festivus, commonly known as the flag cichlid, requires a spacious, well-decorated aquarium with rocks, driftwood, and hiding spots. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral water and a moderate temperature. Aquarium décor should include sturdy plants and open swimming areas. Maintaining water quality is crucial and providing a varied diet.
Feeding
When it comes to feeding, the Flag Cichlid is omnivorous and accepts a variety of foods. It can be provided with a balanced diet that includes commercial foods in the form of pellets, flakes, or tablets. Live or frozen foods such as mosquito larvae, daphnia, and small crustaceans can also be offered.
Complexity
Caring for Mesonauta festivus can be moderately challenging. They are territorial fish and can be aggressive towards smaller species. It's recommended to keep them in pairs or groups to distribute aggression. They are omnivores and accept a variety of foods, including live and frozen foods.
In case you need more help, or if you want to know into any topic related to the Mesonauta festivus (Flag Cichlid) and even any other species you can use the forums to ask what you need.
To do an analysis more detailed about coexistence and behavior of Mesonauta festivus (Flag Cichlid) use the Aquarium simulation tool, if you do this you can test different ways to combine the Flag Cichlid with other fishes giving the dimensions and space on you aquarium, on this way you can known the optimal configuration for keep the fishes that you want.
You can also find out the 101 species compatible with the Mesonauta festivus (Flag Cichlid) can live together.
Note: The parameters of the water such as PH and temperature are also used to calculate the compatibility of the species.
Compatible species (101)
Compatible (30 Species)
Compatible without any restriction
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Similar Sizes (34 Species)
They can coexist if they are the same size or very similar sizes, it does not work in all cases, there may be exceptions.
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Considerable size difference (32 Species)
They can coexist while they are similar in size or the size difference is not very abysmal, since as the fish grows it increases the chances of eating its partner that did not grow much.
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Compatible if space is enough (5 Species)
They can coexist together if the aquarium they share is large and spacious enough for both species to feel good, as some fish may attack others to feel that they have little space and try to eliminate the competition.
Flag Cichlid
Mesonauta festivus
- Ph: 6 - 8
- Temperature (c°): 25 - 34
- Measures: 13 cm - 15cm
- Aquarium Capacity:
30 Liters - 8 Gallons - Behavior: Peaceful, Shoal
- Size: Medium
- Water Type: Sweet water