Red Terror Cichlid
Amphilophus festae  (Ex-Cichlasoma festae)

a.k.a. Festa Cichlid

Native to: Ecuador, and rarely in southern regions of Central America.  Found along shore areas of rivers in Equador. South America; Western Ecuador, on the Pacific slope.
Size: Males: up to 18” in wild, Females up to 12”.  Typically 8” in captivity
pH:6.8 to 7.0   dH: 2 to 18o Temp:77-84F
Food: New Life Spectrum "Cichlid Formula" found at Fish Foods

Sexing: Males & females are very different in coloration as the females are generally breath-taking as opposed to males.  Females have a bright yellow base with strong distinct bars, with red fins and green spangling with red hues on the front of their face.  Males have more of a green base to their body, however both sexes have red fins and green spangling on the fins.  Males rarely get a nuchal hump, and if they do it is not very pronounced.

True Red Terror vs. false info:   The Festae is usually confused easily with the Mayan cichlid (Amphilophus urophthalmus) The best way to tell the difference between these cichlids when younger is look for a “y” that connects the vertical front bars on a festae’s body, whereas the Uro’s do not touch one another.  Also the Festae’s false eye spot on it’s tail is off-center and up higher on the fin, the Uro’s eye spot is centered.

Temperament: Known to be one of the most aggressive cichlids available in the hobby, they are generally more docile when younger and do not come out of their shell until they are around 6” and up in size.

Breeding: Festae is easily bred for most as with most Central and South American fish, provide a flat surface for egg-laying.  The males are usually abusive to the females during spawning so make sure to provide a place for the female to be able to get away.

Size at shipping: usually about 1.5" SHIPS GREAT!

Seasonal, may not be available at all times, or all sizes.

Brutal Winter wiped out some good breeding stock in 2009.  We are proud to offer new stock this year in 2012!