Festivum: Tank Size, Tank Mates and How Many to Keep

The festivum has a dark line that runs from its mouth up to the tip of its back fin. It is a peaceful cichlid that lives among plants, and it turns defensive only when breeding.

Adult size
4.7 in12 cm
Smallest tank
40 gallons150 liters
Comfortable in
37 gallonor bigger
How many
One or more
Temperature
75–82 °F24–28 °C
pH
6–8
Temperament
Peaceful
Swims
In the middle
Heater needed
Yes

What size tank does a festivum need?

At least 40 gallons (150 liters). The smallest standard tank that works is the 37 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable. We give the size for an adult fish, because the small fish in the shop will grow. Scientific name: Mesonauta festivus.

How many festivums in each tank size?

This is how many each standard tank carries comfortably if festivums are the only fish in it. Share the tank with other species and the number goes down.

TankHow many festivums
5 gallonToo small
10 gallonToo small
20 gallon longToo small
29 gallonToo small
40 gallon breederup to 2
55 gallonup to 2
75 gallonup to 3
125 gallonup to 6

Check festivums against your own tank and other fish

Tank mates for festivums

These animals like the same water, are a safe size, and have a temper that fits. It is a match on paper: always watch new tankmates for the first week.

Poor matches

  • Fancy goldfish: Goldfish do best with other fancy goldfish.
  • Oscar: Oscar is aggressive and will bully or kill peaceful fish such as festivum.
  • Cherry shrimp: Festivum (flag cichlid) (about 5 in) can eat cherry shrimp (about 1.2 in).

Questions and answers

What size tank does a festivum need?

At least 40 gallons (150 liters). The smallest standard tank that works is the 37 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable.

How many festivums should be kept together?

One is fine. A festivum does not need company, though a large enough tank can hold more than one.

Can festivums live in a 10 gallon tank?

No. Festivum needs at least 40 gallons (150 liters).

What temperature do festivums need?

75–82 °F (24–28 °C), with a pH of 6–8. In most homes that means a heater.

Can festivums live with a betta?

Usually, yes, in a tank of 40 gallons (150 liters) or more. They like the same water: 75–82 °F (24–28 °C). Every betta has its own temper, so watch closely for the first week and have a spare tank ready.

More fish

Adult size, tank size and water ranges follow the mainstream care consensus (Seriously Fish species profiles and FishBase maximum lengths). Where sources differ we use the more cautious figure. Stocking numbers come from our stocking calculator.