Mesonauta mirificus Care Guide
Mesonauta mirificus is a flag cichlid (festivum) from the western Amazon, a surface-oriented species often seen in the aquarium trade.
Overview
Mesonauta mirificus is a flag cichlid, one of the festivum species most often seen in the aquarium trade. Members of the genus Mesonauta stay near the water surface in small groups. The species has a laterally compressed body and a diagonal stripe typical of flag cichlids.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Mesonauta
- Scientific name: Mesonauta mirificus
Habitat
According to FishBase, Mesonauta mirificus occurs in the Amazon River basin in Peru and Colombia, in tributaries of the Ucayali and Amazon rivers, in blackwater rivers among plants. Genus members favour streams and lakes with little water movement and aquatic vegetation, where they often stay near the surface.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 200 L
- Temperature: 25-29 °C (77-84 °F)
- pH: 5.5-7.2
- GH: 2-10 °dGH
- Group size: 4 or more individuals
- Lifespan: 6-10 years
- Adult size: about 10 cm SL (FishBase)
Diet
Mesonauta mirificus is an omnivore. In the aquarium it accepts quality prepared foods together with vegetable matter and live or frozen invertebrates.
Compatibility
Flag cichlids are peaceful and suited to community planted tanks. They occupy the upper-middle water column. Suitable companions are calm South American species; very small fish and aggressive cichlids should be avoided.