How much bigger do Festae get?

[Fluidsuit]

Is my Oscar just really big or are festae pretty slow growing? The second tank are females.

 

[NW Cichlid Keith]

Oscars grow fast and Festae are known for growing slow. That said, I have had a few Festae grow pretty fast. One thing constant w/ every Festae that has grown fast, is that they have always been the dominant fish in the tank. For me at least, as long as they have no fear, they have been big eaters and have grown quickly (female and male). Of course, none ever grew as fast as an Oscar.

 

[MP_cichlid]

Festae are known to be rather slow growing. Especially in comparison to an Oscar. However with the right diet and conditions, including what dominance status they hold, can greatly effect growth rate.

 

[Fish on Fire]

I wonder who actually has the biggest festae on here. Anyone holding out on an old 18" brute that they haven't been sharing?

 

[DarylMac]

I always thought male Festae could get 22"? maybe I'm confusing them with Umbee?

 

[dan518]

Never seen one get passed 16 inch, not saying they can't just massive feastae are very rare. Think it's BIG-G who has one of the biggest on this site.

 

[RD.]

In the wild, 20"

https://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/threads/20-inch-ex-cichlasoma-festae.515375/

 

[MP_cichlid]

Yes, in the wild they can reach upwards of 20 inches. However in captivity it is rare that they reach 18". But with ample space, diet and time they could become pretty monstrous