Orinoco Festivum (Mesonauta egregius) Care Guide
Mesonauta egregius is a peaceful festivum cichlid from the Meta and Vichada systems of the Orinoco basin, described by Kullander and Silfvergrip in 1991.
Overview
Mesonauta egregius is a festivum cichlid of the family Cichlidae, described by Kullander and Silfvergrip in 1991. Members of the genus form loose surface-oriented groups and show dark bars across the body that fade when the fish is calm.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Mesonauta
- Scientific name: Mesonauta egregius
- Described by Kullander & Silfvergrip, 1991
Habitat
The species is native to the Orinoco River basin, occurring in the Meta and Vichada river systems. It inhabits shallow freshwater among aquatic vegetation, consistent with the genus preference for slow-moving, vegetated waters.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 200 L (about 53 gal)
- Temperature: 25-29 °C (77-84 °F)
- pH: 5.0-6.8
- GH: 1-6 °dGH
- Group size: 4 or more individuals
- Lifespan: 6-10 years
FishBase reports a maximum standard length of about 8.2 cm, a pH from roughly 4.8 upward, soft water and temperatures up to about 30 °C; the aquarium ranges above reflect typical husbandry.
Diet
Mesonauta egregius is an omnivore with a FishBase trophic level around 3.3. In captivity it accepts prepared, frozen and live foods together with vegetable matter, fed twice daily.
Compatibility
Peaceful and mid-water dwelling, the species suits soft-water community aquariums alongside discus, Geophagus, larger tetras and bristlenose plecos. Tiny tetras and aggressive cichlids are not recommended.
Breeding
The species is a substrate spawner. As in the wider genus, a bonded pair guards eggs and fry, though detailed breeding notes for this species are limited.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern, assessed in 2020.