Flag Cichlid

Mesonauta festivus

Flag Cichlid is a peaceful all-zone swimmer.

PeacefulAll-zone swimmerBeginner – Intermediate

Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.

Need help with Flag Cichlid?

Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 4.8" (≤ 12.1 cm)
Aquarium size: 99 US gal (375 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length
Care level: Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: All-zone swimmer
Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
pH: 5.5–7.5
GH: up to 5 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 10 years

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 10 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 99 US gal (375 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 24–28 °C, pH 5.5–7.5.

Temperament and compatibility

Flag Cichlid is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses multiple areas of the aquarium, so leave enough open swimming space for movement and feeding.

Feeding

As an omnivore, Flag Cichlid should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Offer a varied omnivorous diet with live or frozen foods and some vegetable matter. Aim for pH around 6.5 rather than treating the full tolerated interval as optimal.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 99 US gal (375 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Paraguay, Bolivia, Brazil, Peru.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

African Butterfly Cichlid Anomalochromis thomasi Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 73–81°F (23–27°C) Allpahuayo Dwarf Cichlid Apistogramma allpahuayo Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm) 75–82°F (24–28°C) Altifron Eartheater Geophagus altifrons Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate ≤ 8.9" (≤ 22.5 cm) 79–90°F (26–32°C) Blue Neon Cichlid Paracyprichromis nigripinnis Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate ≤ 4.3" (≤ 11 cm) 75–81°F (24–27°C) Asian Upside Down Catfish Mystus leucophasis Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate ≤ 11.8" (≤ 30 cm) 73–81°F (23–27°C) Banded Apistogramma Apistogramma bitaeniata Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3" (≤ 7.5 cm) 72–84°F (22–29°C)

FAQ

How large does Flag Cichlid get?

Flag Cichlid reaches ≤ 4.8" (≤ 12.1 cm).

What aquarium size does Flag Cichlid need?

Use an aquarium of at least 99 US gal (375 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length.

Is Flag Cichlid peaceful?

Yes. Flag Cichlid is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for Flag Cichlid?

Keep it between 24 to 28 °C.