Salvin's Cichlid Care Guide
Cichlasoma salvini, Salvin's cichlid, is a colorful Central American cichlid from Atlantic-slope rivers of Mexico, Belize and Guatemala.
Overview
Cichlasoma salvini, commonly called Salvin's cichlid or the yellow-belly cichlid, is a colorful Central American cichlid. FishBase places it on the Atlantic slope from southern Mexico to Guatemala and Belize, and it also appears in taxonomic literature under the genus Trichromis. Adults show a bright yellow belly with red, blue and black accents.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Cichlasoma
- Scientific name: Cichlasoma salvini
- Common synonyms: Trichromis salvini
Habitat
The species lives in fresh water and is benthopelagic, inhabiting moderate to fast-flowing waters of lower and middle river valleys, including eastern coastal rivers and lagoons at lower elevations (FishBase).
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 250 L
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 7.0-8.0
- GH: 8-18 °dGH
- Maximum size: about 22 cm SL
- Lifespan: 8-13 years
Diet
FishBase records that it feeds on macro-invertebrates and small fishes. In captivity it accepts a varied diet of meaty and prepared foods consistent with its predatory feeding in the wild.
Compatibility
Salvin's cichlid is aggressive and territorial, particularly toward other fish, while behaving more moderately toward conspecifics. It is best kept with other Central American cichlids or large plecos and away from small tetras and plants.
Breeding
It is a substrate spawner. Reports indicate females take an active role in initiating breeding and caring for fry, and both sexes intensify their coloration during the breeding season.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern, assessed in 2018.