I'm looking to pick up 6 or so small (1.5") festae online to grow out and hopefully get a pair, but I was wondering what kind of personality these fish have. I'm aware that they're one of the more aggressive cichlids out there, but how are they in terms of owner responsiveness? Also, are they more likely to be out swimming most of the time or hiding in caves or behind ornaments? I realize this varies from fish to fish, but my question is aimed at the species in general. They would be in a 110 gal all to themselves for now, with maybe only a bristlenose pleco. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Festae Question
- Thread starter AcsFoolMike
- Start date
IME they are very active and always hungry. I have two and they are always out exploring.
There will always be 1 that will dominate the rest. Be prepared to come up with a way to spread aggression. They are very aggressive and have been known to kill others 2x their size.
I have two in a 55 grow out with a common pleco and 2 jewels (experimental target fish). The jewels are 2x the festae size and both festae do everything in their power to annoy the jewels. I feed mine 2x a day to keep aggression down and do weekly water changes.
There will always be 1 that will dominate the rest. Be prepared to come up with a way to spread aggression. They are very aggressive and have been known to kill others 2x their size.
I have two in a 55 grow out with a common pleco and 2 jewels (experimental target fish). The jewels are 2x the festae size and both festae do everything in their power to annoy the jewels. I feed mine 2x a day to keep aggression down and do weekly water changes.
And if they are the ones from Aquabid, I would snatch them up. They're a good price. I started mine on blood worms and small sinking pellets.
The larger about 2.5" the smaller about 2". They have grown about .5" in a month. Very slow growers.
Definitely not the fish to keep if you want something with an outgoing personality or interactive. Ive had lots of all sizes up to about 10" and none were interactive, non skittish or full of personality. Maybe because all mine were wild caught (except their fry), but I doubt it. Its the main reason I got rid of my pair.
They were the most beautiful freshwater fish Ive had in over 25 yrs of keeping fish, but Ive seen guppies that had more personality & cajones in dealing with humans.
They were the most beautiful freshwater fish Ive had in over 25 yrs of keeping fish, but Ive seen guppies that had more personality & cajones in dealing with humans.
At that size you don't have to worry about aggression and as long as you keep them together depending on how fast yours grow you should be able to keep them together til 5-6" the aggression will pick up around 3.5" but you can manage aggression by how you decorate your tank. And I would start off with a lightly decorating keeping your tank somewhat open so you can actually see your fish. Sometimes I decorate too much trying to give more than enough hiding spots which works great for aggression but can be hard to watch your fish. You will truly enjoy your festae bro. Out of all the fish I've ever had experience with festae are by far my favorite to grow out
I'm even thinking about helping a friend out by growing a bunch of his fry out just so I can enjoy them and let him sell them once they're bigger lol
I'm even thinking about helping a friend out by growing a bunch of his fry out just so I can enjoy them and let him sell them once they're bigger lolTHEY ARE investigater any active moment they will come check it out they will nip at fins and tells they will kill each other ,they can hang with the big dwags and also not picky eater i have 2 festae growing in a 240 gal with fish 2x there size jewel cichlids will be the best tank mates to me because they wont fight them and the jewel mouth want be bigg enoufh to eat them
My male is interactive with me and full of personality. He's always at the front of the tank when I come in the room. The female is the opposite, she couldn't care less if I'm there or not.