The magnificent, large (males up to 35 cm, females up to 30 cm) tiger cichlid (Mesoheros festae) used to be a fairly frequent guest in the aquarium. Together with Andinoacara rivulatus (formerly: Aequidens rivulatus), it was one of the top exports from the Pacific side of Ecuador. M. festae was called “Red Terror”, A. rivulatus “Green Terror”, which already indicates the not inconsiderable assertiveness of both species.
Nowadays, M. festae has almost become a rarity in the hobby. The large-scale breeders in Southeast Asia do not have it in their program, but the similar Mayaheros urophthalmus (see: https://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/25-perchlike-fishes/25e-perchlike-fishes-5-remaining-cichlids-from-south-and-central-america/cichlasoma_urophthalmus_en/). Apparently there is no room for two such similar (and always confused) species in the international trade. So we have to rely on German offspring. These are rare, as a single clutch of cichlids of this bull class contains up to 1,000 eggs. Where to put so many offspring, which also need plenty of space and good care to grow to a certain sales size? That’s why the few keepers only breed them occasionally. Accordingly, M. festae rarely appears in the trade.
Apart from their size and temperament, Mesoheros festae are wonderful aquarium fish and very intelligent by fish standards. It is almost impossible to tell the sexes apart in juveniles; females generally have fewer blue highlights in their fins.. If you decide to keep this cichlid, it is advisable to buy about 10 juveniles, from which you wil surely get a pair. The rest should be disposed of. Mesoheros festae is a typical open-breeder with a parent family. Provided there is enough space, it can be easily kept with other cichlids of the bull class.
For our customers: M. festae has code 647014 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.
Text: Frank Schäfer, photos: Frank Schäfer and Uwe Werner
