花边中丽鱼 · Flag Cichlid

Overview

The generally peaceful Mesonauta festivus suits a planted aquarium with ample cover, although defense intensifies during breeding. The commercial label “flag cichlid” is applied to similar species and does not by itself confirm identity.

Distribution & habitat

Records span Peru, Brazil, Bolivia, and Paraguay across several drainages, including Amazonian rivers and the Paraguay–Paraná system. Vegetated, slow-moving habitats are typical.

Aquarium setup

Combine substantial planting with roots and branches over sand. Use moderate circulation and avoid excessively bright light. A breeding aquarium should stand in a quiet position with little disturbance.

Diet & feeding

This natural omnivore eats worms, crustaceans, plant material, and other small bottom animals. Most prepared foods are accepted. Supplement them with live foods such as bloodworms and Artemia, together with vegetable material.

Behaviour & compatibility

Peaceful cichlids and compatible small characins, cyprinids, or catfishes are possible companions. Increased defense during spawning means an otherwise calm community may not remain equally calm during brood care.

Sexual dimorphism

Males are generally larger and have more extended dorsal and anal fins.

Breeding

A pair prepares a flat stone or similar surface before laying and fertilizing more than two hundred eggs in some broods. Both guard them. Hatching takes around two to three days, after which young are moved to a pit for another three or four days before free swimming. Both adults provide care but can eat the brood when frightened. Keep disturbance low. Newly swimming fry take Artemia nauplii and powdered fry foods before progressing to larger items.

Notes

Fish sold under this name are often the similar Mesonauta insignis. Preserve identification uncertainty in husbandry and breeding records when origin is unclear.