{"product_id":"south-american-cichlid-for-sale-uk-barred-mesonauta-festiva-0771","title":"Barred Cichlid (Mesonauta festiva)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOverview of Barred Cichlid\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003esouth american cichlid\u003c\/strong\u003e, scientifically known as \u003cem\u003eMesonauta festiva\u003c\/em\u003e, a graceful south american cichlid with bold vertical barring and a peaceful temperament that suits a well-planned community aquarium.. Mesonauta festivus, the flag cichlid, is a species of cichlid native to the Paraná, Paraguay, Madre de Dios, Guaporé, Mamoré, Jamari and Tapajós river basins in Brazil, Peru, Paraguay and Bolivia. It \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNative to South America; native to river basins in Brazil, Peru, Paraguay, and Bolivia, including the Paraná, Paraguay, Madre de Dios, Guaporé, Mamoré, Jamari, and Tapajós systems, this moderate-care species belongs to the Cichlidae family and has earned a loyal following among UK aquarists for its unique characteristics and manageable requirements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"info-box\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuick Facts\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eMesonauta festiva\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFamily:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cichlidae\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 15 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank:\u003c\/strong\u003e 200 litres\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Semi-aggressive\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAppearance and Distinguishing Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis beautiful cichlid displays vibrant coloration that intensifies with age and during breeding. Males typically show more intense colors than females, with finnage that becomes more elaborate as they mature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt Tropical Fish Co, we select only the healthiest specimens with vibrant coloration and active behavior, ensuring you receive premium quality fish for your aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eNatural Habitat and Origin\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the wild, \u003cem\u003eMesonauta festiva\u003c\/em\u003e inhabits south america; native to river basins in brazil, peru, paraguay, and bolivia, including the paraná, paraguay, madre de dios, guaporé, mamoré, jamari, and tapajós systems. Understanding their natural environment helps us replicate optimal conditions in the home aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese waters are typically soft, slightly acidic, and rich in tannins from decomposing leaf litter. Dense vegetation provides shelter and feeding opportunities, while seasonal flooding creates dynamic habitat conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAquarium Setup and Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA minimum tank size of \u003cstrong\u003e200 litres\u003c\/strong\u003e is essential for housing Barred Cichlid. Larger aquariums provide more stable water chemistry and greater swimming space, both critical for long-term health.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvide appropriate hiding places, suitable substrate, and decorations that match their natural habitat preferences. Good filtration and stable water parameters are essential for all freshwater species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInvest in quality filtration capable of turning over the tank volume 4-6 times per hour, and perform regular 25-30% water changes weekly to maintain pristine conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"tip-box\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eExpert Tip\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTake time to acclimate new fish slowly (1-2 hours drip acclimation) to prevent shock. Patience during introduction pays dividends in long-term health and survival.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWater Parameters and Chemistry\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaintaining correct water parameters is crucial for the health of Barred Cichlid:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 24-28C\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH Range:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6.0-7.5\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardness:\u003c\/strong\u003e See species-specific requirements\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAmmonia\/Nitrite:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0 ppm (zero tolerance)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNitrate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Below 20 ppm ideally\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis species prefers soft, acidic water. Use RO water remineralized to appropriate GH\/KH, add Indian almond leaves or alder cones for tannins, and avoid calcareous decorations that raise pH.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInvest in quality test kits and check parameters weekly. Stability is more important than hitting exact numbers - avoid sudden changes that stress fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFeeding and Nutrition\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a omnivore, Barred Cichlid requires a carefully balanced diet to maintain optimal health and coloration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOffer a varied omnivorous diet of quality cichlid pellets or flakes supplemented with frozen\/live foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, and chopped earthworms, plus some vegetable matter...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVary the diet between quality flakes\/pellets, frozen foods (bloodworms, daphnia, brine shrimp), and occasional fresh vegetables. Nutritional variety promotes vibrant colors, strong immunity, and natural behavior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRemove uneaten food after 3-5 minutes to prevent water quality degradation. A single weekly fasting day can benefit digestion and overall health.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBehaviour and Temperament\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Barred Cichlid is classified as \u003cstrong\u003esemi-aggressive\u003c\/strong\u003e, though individual personality can vary with age, tank size, and stocking density.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExpect territorial behavior, especially during breeding or in undersized tanks. Provide ample space and visual barriers to reduce conflict. This species may view smaller fish as food.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvide plenty of cover, driftwood, and broad-leaved plants or spawning surfaces. Best kept in a calm aquarium with excellent water quality; may become territorial when breeding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCompatible Tank Mates\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChoose tankmates carefully to ensure a harmonious community aquarium:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompatible species include:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePeaceful to semi-peaceful medium-sized South American fish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLarger tetras\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCorydoras\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlecos\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOther non-territorial cichlids of similar size\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvoid housing with:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVery small fish that may be eaten\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHighly aggressive cichlids\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFin-nipping species\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOverly boisterous tankmates\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTiny shrimp and small invertebrates\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlways research specific compatibility and introduce new fish gradually, monitoring behavior closely during the first few weeks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBreeding and Reproduction\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTypically a substrate spawner that forms a pair bond and lays eggs on a flat surface or leaf. Parents may guard the eggs and fry; soft, slightly acidic water and stable conditions improve success.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvide flat rocks, caves, or smooth surfaces for spawning. Parent fish typically guard eggs and fry, though behavior varies. Excellent water quality and frequent small water changes support fry development.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Buy Barred Cichlid from Tropical Fish Co UK\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen you choose Tropical Fish Co for your south american cichlid purchase, you benefit from:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePremium Quality:\u003c\/strong\u003e Every fish is quarantined, health-checked, and feeding well before dispatch\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eExpert Selection:\u003c\/strong\u003e We hand-pick active, vibrant specimens with excellent coloration\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSafe Delivery:\u003c\/strong\u003e Specialist courier service with heat packs and double-bagged packaging\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLive Arrival Guarantee:\u003c\/strong\u003e We stand behind every shipment with our comprehensive guarantee\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOngoing Support:\u003c\/strong\u003e Expert care advice available whenever you need it\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith decades of combined experience in the UK aquarium trade, we understand what makes healthy, thriving fish. Our Barred Cichlid specimens are among the finest south american cichlid available online today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOrder with confidence knowing you're purchasing from a trusted UK specialist. We're passionate about connecting aquarists with exceptional fish for sale UK wide.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tropical Fish Co","offers":[{"title":"4 - 5 cm","offer_id":57427490373967,"sku":"0771","price":9.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"6 - 7 cm","offer_id":57456760062287,"sku":"0772","price":25.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"7 - 9 cm","offer_id":57456760095055,"sku":"0773","price":42.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1007\/1408\/6735\/files\/barred-cichlid-mesonauta-festiva-4-5cm-hero-driftwood-0771.webp?v=1776548531","url":"https:\/\/tropical-fish-co.myshopify.com\/products\/south-american-cichlid-for-sale-uk-barred-mesonauta-festiva-0771","provider":"Tropical Fish Co","version":"1.0","type":"link"}