{"product_id":"festive-cichlid","title":"Festive Cichlid","description":"\u003ch3 class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003e\n\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003eFestive Cichlid — \u003cem\u003eMesonauta festivus\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e South America — Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay and Peru\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdult size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Around 12–15 cm\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Peaceful, but territorial when breeding\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater temperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 24–30°C\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 5.5–7.5\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Omnivore\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSwimming level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mainly middle to upper areas\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDifficulty:\u003c\/strong\u003e Easy to moderate\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFestive Cichlids have a tall, laterally compressed body with a silvery-grey to greenish-gold coloration. Their most recognisable feature is the \u003cstrong\u003ebold diagonal black stripe running from the mouth, through the eye and towards the dorsal fin\u003c\/strong\u003e. Their elongated fins give them a graceful appearance somewhat reminiscent of an Angelfish. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey can also alter the intensity of their markings depending on their mood, surroundings and social interactions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBehaviour \u0026amp; temperament\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor a cichlid of this size, the Festive Cichlid is \u003cstrong\u003esurprisingly peaceful and generally timid\u003c\/strong\u003e. They are best kept with similarly sized, peaceful fish and appreciate plenty of cover from plants and wood.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey can become territorial when a pair forms and begins breeding, so additional space is particularly important in a community aquarium. Avoid aggressive or boisterous tank mates, which can cause these naturally cautious fish to hide. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImportant:\u003c\/strong\u003e Although peaceful towards larger tank mates, adult Festive Cichlids may eat very small fish such as Neon Tetras. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAquarium setup\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA \u003cstrong\u003elarge, well-planted aquarium\u003c\/strong\u003e with plenty of swimming space is ideal. Bogwood, tall plants and areas of cover help the fish feel secure while still leaving open areas for swimming.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor adult fish, I would recommend an aquarium of \u003cstrong\u003eat least 120 cm in length\u003c\/strong\u003e, particularly for a pair or community setup. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey are sensitive to deteriorating water quality, so regular partial water changes and good filtration are important.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFeeding\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFestive Cichlids are \u003cstrong\u003eomnivores\u003c\/strong\u003e and should be given a varied diet. Suitable foods include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eQuality cichlid pellets and granules\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFlake food\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrozen foods such as bloodworm, brine shrimp and Mysis\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVegetable-based foods\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGreen foods such as spinach or lettuce\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA varied diet helps maintain their condition and coloration. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBreeding\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePairs lay their eggs on \u003cstrong\u003eflat surfaces such as plant leaves, slate or smooth rocks\u003c\/strong\u003e. The parents normally guard the eggs and fry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBreeding can be challenging, although a well-conditioned pair in excellent water conditions may spawn readily. The eggs generally hatch within around 48 hours, with the fry becoming free-swimming a few days later.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"J\u0026K","offers":[{"title":"5 - 6cm","offer_id":58590053302653,"sku":null,"price":34.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"url":"https:\/\/www.snuffleandswim.com\/products\/festive-cichlid","provider":"Snuffle and Swim","version":"1.0","type":"link"}