{"product_id":"red-terror-cichlid-mesoheros-festae","title":"Red Terror Cichlid | Mesoheros festae","description":"\u003ch2\u003eDescription\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe Red Terror is a stunning, fiery-barred cichlid and a notorious bruiser — females especially blaze red across the flanks when in condition. A spectacular but seriously aggressive fish, males can reach 35 cm or more, so this is a big-tank centrepiece strictly for the experienced keeper.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eNatural Habitat\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eMesoheros festae is native to the Pacific-slope rivers of western Ecuador and northern Peru, including the Rio Esmeraldas and Rio Guayas systems, living in warm, moderately hard water among wood and rocky cover. It is a robust, territorial predator in its home waters.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eA large, deep-bodied cichlid boldly barred in black over a red, orange and turquoise-flecked body. Females develop the most intense red colouration, while males grow considerably larger, developing a nuchal hump and more turquoise sheen. Colour peaks dramatically when the fish is in breeding condition.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eHighly aggressive and strongly territorial, especially when breeding, the Red Terror will dominate or kill unsuitable tankmates. It is best kept as a single fish, a proven pair, or with other very robust cichlids in a large tank with clear territories. This is not a community fish and demands respect and space.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eFeeding\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eA carnivore. Offer quality large cichlid pellets as a staple and supplement with meaty frozen and fresh foods such as prawn, mussel, earthworm and fish. Avoid a diet reliant on live feeder fish, which carries disease risk. Feed well but avoid overfeeding this heavy waste producer.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eCare Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eProvide a minimum of around 285 L for a single adult, with 450 L or larger essential for a pair or any tankmates. Keep temperature at 24–28 °C, pH 6.5–7.5 and GH medium, around 8–20. Powerful filtration, robust décor and large regular water changes are needed. Not plant safe — it digs and uproots, so use hardy or artificial décor and heavy rockwork.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eBreeding\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eAn open substrate spawner and a devoted, ferociously protective parent. A bonded pair will clean a flat surface, lay a large clutch of eggs and guard the fry aggressively against all comers. Breeding is straightforward for a compatible pair but requires serious space to manage the aggression safely.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eSpecies Information\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003ctable\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMesoheros festae (formerly Cichlasoma festae)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRed Terror Cichlid, True Red Terror\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOrigin\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePacific-slope rivers of western Ecuador and northern Peru\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaximum Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMales around 35 cm or more; females ~20–25 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLifespan\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10–15 years with good care\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperament\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAggressive, territorial\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDifficulty\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIntermediate to advanced\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMinimum Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e285 L\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRecommended Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e450 L or larger\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDiet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCarnivore: large cichlid pellets, prawn, mussel, earthworm, frozen meaty foods\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWater Temperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e24–28 °C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003epH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e6.5–7.5\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMedium, around 8–20 dGH\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSalinity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable (freshwater)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSuitable For\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLarge, robust cichlid and predator aquariums\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReef Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlant Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNo\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e \u003c\/table\u003e \u003ch2\u003eSuitable Tank Mates\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eSuitable tank mates, in a very large tank only, include other large, robust Central and South American cichlids, large plecos and other catfish able to withstand its aggression. Many keepers house it alone or as a pair.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eAvoid Keeping With\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eAvoid keeping with small or peaceful fish, slow long-finned species, and any tankmate that cannot escape or defend itself. Take great care with other aggressive cichlids unless the tank is very large.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nick's Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium","offers":[{"title":"Small (1-5cm)","offer_id":55232808485155,"sku":"AA1507","price":44.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium (5-10cm)","offer_id":55232808517923,"sku":null,"price":49.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large (10-15cm)","offer_id":55232808550691,"sku":null,"price":54.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"X-Large (15-30cm)","offer_id":55351966204195,"sku":null,"price":64.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/Red_Terror_Cichlid_45e803a1-5040-45a7-b04a-6858edf99aa9.jpg?v=1781699463","url":"https:\/\/nicksaquariumoceanariumterrarium.com.au\/products\/red-terror-cichlid-mesoheros-festae","provider":"Nicks Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium","version":"1.0","type":"link"}