Festae Cichlid
Cichlasoma festae
Festae Cichlid (Cichlasoma festae) — Advanced care, Aggressive, under Cichlid. Minimum tank in the app: 159 US gal min; aim for 75–86°F and pH 6.5–7.5. Details below match the app.
Captive lifespan reflects typical experience in a home aquarium, not maximum recorded age; genetics, sourcing, and care vary.
Natural distribution
South America
- South America
Regional colours match the stocking calculator’s origin map.
Festae Cichlid Tank Setup
Plan for at least 159 US gal min of water—that is the minimum in our database for a workable setup, not a challenge to crowd fish. Aim to hold 75–86°F and pH 6.5–7.5 without daily drama. These fish use the Mid/Bottom zone most, so put wood, plants, or open water there accordingly.
What Do Festae Cichlids Eat?
We record diet as Omnivore (varies). Offer a few food types that match—dry, frozen, or gel—and swap now and then. One flake every day for a year is how dull color and gut trouble creep in.
Festae Cichlid Tank Mates
Temperament in the data: Aggressive. Flagged as a fin nipper, so long flowing fins and slow targets are a poor match. Treat small tank mates as potential snacks once the fish grows. Extremely aggressive; females especially violent. Often called Red Terror. Keep as bonded pair only. Plug your full stock list into the stocking calculator—single-species compatibility scores are hints, not a whole-tank verdict.
Are Festae Cichlids Good for Beginners?
Not where we would send a brand-new keeper. Get a few wins under your belt with hardier fish first.
Building a community? Run the full list through the stocking calculator before you add anything else.
Similar fish to consider
Log tests and reminders in App-aquatic—free, same data you see here.