Flag Cichlid
Flag Cichlid
Flag Cichlid (Mesonauta festivus) is a beautifully marked and peaceful South American cichlid with a distinctive bold black diagonal stripe running from the mouth to the dorsal fin — a flag-like marking that gives the fish its name. The pale body with the striking diagonal stripe is clean and immediately recognizable.
Feeding & Care Tip: Hikari Cichlid Bio-Gold makes an excellent primary staple — Hikari Micro Pellets as backup. Supplement 2–3× per week with Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms or Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Brine Shrimp. Feed 2–3 times daily in amounts consumed within a few minutes.
Native to Amazon and Orinoco basins, South America.
Keep as a pair or with compatible tankmates. Flat or cave surface spawner with biparental care.
A rewarding cichlid for aquarists interested in South or Central American species diversity.
Care & Ideal Parameters
| Difficulty | Easy — Moderate |
| Temperament | Peaceful — community with medium/large fish |
| Typical Adult Size | 8.0 inches (20 cm) |
| Min. Group Size | Pair or small group |
| Ideal Temp | 75–82°F (24–28°C) |
| Ideal pH | 6.0–7.5 |
| Ideal GH | 3–15 dGH |
| Ideal KH | 1–8 dKH |
| Staple Food | Hikari Cichlid Bio-Gold; Hikari Micro Pellets |
| Treat / Supplement | Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms; Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Brine Shrimp |
| Origin | Amazon and Orinoco basins, South America |
| Notes | Bold diagonal stripe from mouth to dorsal — the 'flag' marking. Peaceful. Compatible with angelfish and other medium peaceful SA cichlids. |
