I've kept both Festae and Mayans. Unfortunately I can't seem to find any of the pictures of my Mayans on my computer. I have plenty of my Festae but seeing as this is a thread comparing the two species, I won't post the Festae pics without the Mayan pics. I had a group of six Mayan growouts. As 2" juveniles they fought more than my juvenile Festae ever did at the same size. The true violence started with my Festae when they hit the 4" mark. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder but I have to say that personally Festae are far more attractive than Mayans. Mayans do attain some rich reds and bold markings but their coloration simply can't compare to the vibrant coloration and sheen of both male and female Festae. Behavior wise, in my experience both species can be highly aggressive at times. My Festae became intolerant of tankmates once they neared breeding size. Then they began taking on each other until I had only a male and female left. The Mayans were ok with most tankmates but they really despised one another throughout the time that I kept them. Mayans also showed more personality. Each individual had their own special traits. They were very owner responsive too. My Festae, though extremely beautiful, were not really interested in me or anything else beyond the tank. They were quick to hide when I approached the tank. It would take them a few minutes of me standing at the tank before they would come out of hiding and resume their regular behavior. They spent most of their time chasing, fighting, and displaying. Saying all of this, I have to add that tank size and group numbers makes a huge difference in behavior. I began growing out both groups of 2" fish in a 30 gallon tank. The fighting was more intense and growth was slow in the 30. Once in a 120, aggression decreased and growth increased in both groups.
I think that anyone that wants to get a Mayan should not be put off by their abundance in the hobby or their low price. I have seen some very large adults that were very hefty and had striking appearance. I think their title as the 'Poor man's Festae' is unfair. Mayans should be appreciated for what they are and not for what they are not. I think most of the bias comes when people seeking Festae receive Mayans instead and once they realize that their 'Red Terror' isn't a Festae it leaves a very sour taste in their mouth. I know, I've been there. But Mayans deserve some respect for being a feisty, large, tough, and personable cichlid. But of the two, Festae would get my vote just on sheer beauty.
anyone?
