Red Terror Cichlid

Red terror cichlid is a bright-colored species indigenous to parts of South America. Their striking red coloration and aggressive demeanor earn them their name.

Quick Information

Scientific Name	Cichlasoma festae
Other Names	Harlequin cichlid
Origin	Rio Tumbes in Peru, and Rio Esmeraldas in Ecuador
Type	Freshwater fish
Conservation Status	Not recorded
Behavioral Characteristics	Robust, highly territorial, and aggressive
School Size	Inappropriate for schooling due to their increased aggression, though 2 -3 of them may coexist in a big tank
Physical Traits	Elongated body, sloping forehead, striped appearance, and colorful fins
Growth Rate	Males grow to 9 inches (22.86 cm) and females to 7 inches (17.78 cm) in the first year; after this, it is an inch per year until they reach their maximum size
Colors	Adults – Males: Turquoise-green body, orange finnage, blue spots on their tail Females: Bright red with black vertical stripes, reddish-orange snout, and glittery blue spots  throughout its body   Juveniles – Gray with lateral stripes
Size (How big do they get)	Big; 12 -20 inches (30.48 – 50.8 cm)
Lifespan	12 – 15 years
Sexual Dimorphism	Males are larger than females developing a nuchal hump when they are about 3
Probable Diseases	Ich, fin rot
Approximate Price (How much is it for)	$25 – 30

Tank Setup & Care Sheet Details

Care Level	Expert
Tank Size	Approximately 110 gallons (417 liters) to keep 2- 3 species together

Water Parameters

pH Level	6.0 – 7.5
Temperature	77° to 82.4°F (25 to 28°C)
Hardness	4 – 18 dGH
Aquarium  Water Flow	Fast

Tank Ambience

Lighting	Moderate
Substrate Type	Small pebbles, and granite chippings (for bottom substrates) alongside driftwood, rocky caves, and plants to provide ample hiding space
Tank Mates	Compatible with: Big and aggressive species like Oscar cichlid, flowerhorn cichlid, green terror, jaguar cichlid, sailfin pleco, common pleco, Arowana, and Jack Dempsey Incompatible with: Small-sized, less aggressive fish
Suitable Position in the Tank	Middle or Bottom

Feeding

Diet	Live or frozen food like brine shrimp, and blood worms, alongside flakes and pellets
Frequency	2-3 times a day

Important Things to Know For Fish Keepers

• If housing a couple of fish together with the red terror cichlid, ensure the tank has ample swimming space to keep the latter’s aggression in control. Long tanks are more spacious than the tall ones.
• Another way of controlling their territorial behavior is by including fish of a different shape than the red terror cichlid or even those swimming in a separate direction.

FAQs