ORNATE CICHLID (Mesoheros Ornatus)

A rarely seen South American Cichlid and close relative to M. festae, the true Red Terror, the Ornatus Cichlid is found along the Pacific slopes of Colombia and Northern Ecuador. Although not particularly colorful as juveniles, adult fish develop an attractive pattern of iridescent blue/green spots. The Ornatus is not overly aggressive but can still be quite territorial, so tankmates should be chosen carefully.

Origin: Wild Colombia
Locale: Rio San Juan Drainage
Diet: Omnivore and predator, will accept most frozen and prepared foods
Adult Size: 8″
Recommended Tank Size: 90 gallons+
Compatibility: Aggressive, especially towards conspecifics or other cichlids. Best kept with similarly aggressive species or non-cichlids