Red Terror
Mesoheros festae
Cichlidae
About
The red terror is one of the largest and most belligerent New World cichlids, native to the Pacific-slope rivers of western Ecuador and northern Peru, from the Esmeraldas to the Tumbes drainage. Males can reach around 45 cm and occasionally more, turning silvery with blue spangling and dark bars, while the smaller females (around 30 cm) flush an intense fiery red, especially when in breeding condition. It is a powerful, predatory digger that forms pairs but is savagely territorial toward almost everything else, making it strictly a species-only or very large tank subject for experienced keepers.
Care
House a single fish or a bonded pair in a very large, long tank of at least 210 cm base (about 800 L) with powerful over-rated filtration, sand substrate and heavy, well-anchored decor. Keep a secure lid and do large weekly water changes. Do not mix with small or bite-sized tankmates.
Diet
Carnivore-leaning omnivore that hunts fish, crustaceans and insects in the wild. Staple a large-cichlid pellet plus earthworms, prawns, mussel and whitefish, with a little plant matter; avoid feeder fish and mammal meat and control portions.
Tankmate compatibility
Avoid (121)
Computed by the AquaSage engine for a spacious reference tank — always check the full verdict for your exact setup in the calculator.