Cichlasoma festae — Red Terror Cichlid
Family: Cichlidae
Origin: Western Ecuador and Northern Peru (Pacific coastal drainages)
Size:
Males: Up to 45 cm (18 inches)
Females: Up to 30 cm (12 inches)
Lifespan: 12–15 years
 
Natural Habitat
Environment: Warm, slow-moving rivers and lagoons with sandy or muddy substrates
Water Conditions: Clear to slightly turbid water with submerged structures and vegetation
Temperature Range: 24–28°C (75–82°F)
 
Physical Description
Body Shape: Thick-bodied and robust with a deep profile
Coloration:
Females: Vivid red to orange body with bold vertical black bars — highly sought-after coloration
Males: More golden to olive with less intense red and a nuchal hump as they mature
Sexual Dimorphism: Marked — females are smaller but more colorful, while males are larger and bulkier
Note: Not to be confused with Cichlasoma urophthalmus (Mayan Cichlid), which is sometimes misidentified as a Red Terror. True C. festae have brighter red tones and more robust builds.
 
Aquarium Care
Tank Size: Minimum 450 litres (120 gallons) for adults
Water Parameters:
pH: 6.5–7.5
Hardness: Moderate (6–15 dGH)
Temperature: 24–28°C (75–82°F)
Water Flow: Moderate
Substrate: Sand or fine gravel
Décor: Large rocks, caves, driftwood for hiding and territory boundaries
Filtration: Strong, with heavy-duty biological and mechanical filtration
 
Diet
Type: Carnivorous
Preferred Foods:
High-protein cichlid pellets and sticks
Frozen or live foods (krill, shrimp, earthworms, fish flesh)
Supplement with occasional vegetable matter to aid digestion
Feeding Frequency: 1–2 times daily
 
Behavior & Tank Mates
Temperament:
Very aggressive and territorial, especially during breeding
Not suitable for peaceful community tanks
Compatible Tank Mates:
Other large, robust, and aggressive cichlids (e.g. Dovii, Jaguar Cichlid, large Oscars)
Tank must be spacious with clear territories to reduce conflict
Behavior Notes:
Intelligent and responsive to owners
Must be monitored closely in mixed setups due to high aggression potential
 
Breeding
Spawning Method: Substrate spawner
Breeding Conditions:
Breeding pair should be well-established and housed alone
Spawn on flat rocks or inside caves
Parental Care:
Extremely attentive parents
Both sexes will guard eggs and fry aggressively
Fry Care:
Feed with baby brine shrimp and crushed flakes after yolk sac absorption
 
Conservation Status
IUCN Status: Not Evaluated
Notes: A striking, high-impact show fish for experienced aquarists. Due to its size and aggression, the Red Terror demands a large tank, strong filtration, and careful planning for tank mates or breeding pairs