Salvini Cichlid

Salvini or Salvin’s cichlid, alternately known as tricolored cichlid or yellow-bellied cichlid, is indigenous to water bodies in north-central and America, and southern Mexico. The fish, first described in 1862 by Gunther, would surely increase the beauty of any aquarium with its bright coloration.

Quick Information

Scientific Name	Trichromis salvini
Other Names	Tricolored cichlid, yellow-bellied cichlid, Salvin’s cichlid
Origin	Rivers and lagoons in Central America along the region of the Atlantic slope from southern Mexico till Guatemala, as well as Belize, and Honduras; also found in parts of Texas and Florida
Type	Freshwater fish
Conservation Status	Not recorded
Behavioral Characteristics	Territorial, and moderately aggressive
School Size	Not fit for schooling owing to their dominant nature
Physical Traits	Elongated oblong body; pointed snout; long fins, horizontal stripes running from their head to forehead
Colors	Bright yellow body; two dark, blotchy lines running from their eyes to caudal fins; turquoise blue dots all over; black markings crossing their face; red belly; bright red coloration on parts of their anal, pectoral, and caudal fins
Size (How big do they get)	Big; 5.9 inches (15 cm)
Lifespan	10 – 13 years
Sexual Dimorphism	Present; Males: Big, dull coloration, with pointed fins; may also have blue streaks on their head; Females: Smaller with brighter appearance, less pointed fins, and redder bellies
Probable Diseases	White spot disease, ich
Approximate Price (How much is it for)	$ 20

Tank Setup & Care Sheet Details

Care Level	Expert
Tank Size	50 gallons (189.2 liters) for a single fish

Water Parameters

pH Level	6.5 – 8.0
Temperature	72° to 79°F (22.2 to 28°C)
Hardness	10 – 20 dGH
Aquarium  Water Flow	Moderate to fast

Tank Ambience

Lighting	Moderate
Substrate Type	Fine gravel, and sand at the bottom with roots and rocks to hide
Tank Mates	Compatible with: Moderately aggressive species like green terror, red devil cichlid, firemouth cichlid, convict cichlid, blood parrot cichlid, and Jack Dempsey Incompatible with: Small fish species as the Salvini cichlid would consider them prey; bigger, aggressive species like the oscar, and flowerhorn as well as invertebrates like dwarf shrimps
Suitable Position in the Tank	Bottom

Feeding

Diet	Brine shrimp, blood worms, flakes, pellets, alongside blanched cucumbers, and spinach
Frequency	2-3 times a day

Important Things to Know For Fish Keepers

• If your Salvini cichlid does not have the bright yellow and red coloration on maturation, the reasons may include an improper diet. It could also be stressed due to inappropriate water conditions. Also, while getting the fish, clarify its gender as females are more vibrant than males.

FAQs