Will m. festivus get along with each other?

Question

I want to put three of them in a 55 gallon setup, but aren't sure if they will lose their peaceful nature when they are around others of their kind. Replies from experienced cichlid owners only please.

Answer 1

I never had any significant problem with this fish when I kept them. I had a group situation much like you describe and aggression was never an issue until they spawned, then I did have to remove the odd man out.

MM

Answer 2

It will be fine as long as you have lots of caves, rocks and plants that they can each have their own individual territories.

Territory wars will happen, but it shouldn't be anything too bad.