Festivum is very aggressive, isn't this supposed to be a peaceful fish?

Question

He has always been very aggressive. He's REALLY bad now! he won't let other fish anywhere on the left side of the tank. I tried putting him in our "aggressive" tank with a Buttikoferi and two african cichlids and he got pummeled by the Buttikoferi so he went back into the peaceful tank. I checked the water and it's good, I added Amquel and salt for good meaure but it hasn't helped. All my other fish are happy and healthy, he's the only one being mean. He's also flashing at other fish and his eyes have turned a fierce red color (Like angelfish sometimes do) what gives?

Answer 1

Festivums are normally rather peaceful .... for cichlids. They kind of fall in the gap between a cichlid tank and a peaceful community tank. If kept with other fish of similar size they will usually do just fine. There really isn't much you can do about his nature, he will be as he is. The only thing possible is to house him with other fish about the same size of with other fish that won't be pushed around, like convicts, firemouths or kribs. That said, just like people, you can have peaceful ones and not so peaceful ones. Too bad he's giving you hassles, those are very nice looking and interesting fish.

MM

Answer 2

Festivums are typically docile for cichlids, however, each fish is different, and has their own personality. Usually what cichlids desire most is a good territory. If you can provide him/her with a space that he could claim, he might be less likely to harass the other fish. Adding decor, and breaking up the 'line of sight' can help sometimes as well. Create an environment where the other fish can take refuge, and the festivum cannot reach them. Otherwise upgrading to a larger tank size is always a good option. The more space there is, typically the less amount of aggression. (Would you want to do that for just one grumpy fish? Up to you I guess.)

If none of these option suit you, then I'd take him back to the fish store, and try another. Maybe you'll get lucky this time! Hope everything works out.

Answer 3

A festivum is a peaceful CICHLID. but it's still a cichlid. Some specimens are more aggressive than others. Heck even angel fish can be aggressive. Remember that on the cichlid aggressive scale Africans, and Buttikoferi, (also from Africa) are on the far end of toughness and will kill most other fish. Festivums, are pretty peaceful. But all cichlids are territorial, all will attempt to eat smaller fish in the tank.