Flag cichlid

The flag cichlid, or festivum, is an elegant, disc-shaped cichlid from slow, heavily vegetated waters of the Amazon and Paraguay basins, often found among floating plants and submerged roots. It is recognised by a bold oblique black stripe running from the snout through the eye to the top of the dorsal fin. Reaching about fifteen centimetres, it is unusually peaceful for a cichlid and rather shy, so it is best kept as a bonded pair or small group and combined with calm tankmates such as angelfish, larger tetras and peaceful catfish; avoid boisterous or fin-nipping species. Provide a tall, shaded tank with driftwood, tall plants and floating cover. Water should be warm, soft and slightly acidic. Feed an omnivorous diet of pellets, frozen foods and plenty of vegetable matter, as it nibbles plants and algae.