Salvini Cichlid

Distribution:
   The Salvini Cichlid was described by Günther in 1862, and are also known as the Salvin's Cichlid, Yellow-Belly Cichlid, or Tricolor Cichlid. They are found in Central America along the Atlantic slope from southern Mexico to Guatemala, the Honduras, and Belize. They inhabit inhabit moderate and fast moving waters of rivers and lagoons at lower elevations, feeding on macro-invertebrates and small fishes.

Status:
   This species is not listed on the IUCN Red List.

Description:
   The overall body color of the Salvini Cichlid is yellow, with juveniles being a drab yellow or gray fish. There are some geographic variations, but in all cases the females are the most intensely colored. Females have reddish coloring along the belly and back and a black patch, edged in blue, in the middle of the dorsal fin. Males may have some blue hues along the back with blue streaks on the head. Some males may also have a reddish belly.

Size - Weight:
   These fish get up to 6 inches (15 cm).

Care and feeding:
   Since they are omnivorous the Salvini Cichlid will generally eat all kinds of live, fresh, and flake foods. To keep a good balance give them a high quality flake food or pellet every day. Feed brine shrimp (either live or frozen) or blood worms as a treat.
   A minimum 50 gallon aquarium is suggested for a single fish. A larger tank would be needed if keeping a pair (100 gallons or more is suggested) or if keeping them with other South American cichlids. They need good water movement along with strong and efficient filtration. Provide plenty of hiding places among rocks and wood. They don't burrow or attack plants and they are said to be better colored fish if kept in a planted aquarium. Plants around the inside perimeter of the tank will leave an open area in the center for swimming.
   The Salvini Cichlid can be rewarding to keep for aquarists that are observant and diligent in providing care. Frequent water changes are necessary as their excretions will cloud the water and promote disease. Do water changes of 20 to 25% a week depending on bio load. They are subject to infections as well as other diseases that ail all freshwater fish.

Water Region: Top, Middle, Bottom:
   These fish will swim in the middle and lower areas of the aquarium.

Acceptable Water Conditions:
   Hardness: 8-15° dGH
   Ph: 6.5 to 8.0
   Temp: 72-79° F (22-26° C), with 75° F (24° C) and above being best.

Social Behaviors:
   The Salvini Cichlid is not a good community fish. They are territorial and moderately aggressive, and more aggressive spawning. They are also a predator and will eat smaller fish. It is best kept singly in a species tank or with other moderately aggressive cichlids such as the Jack Dempsey and the Red Devil. It is said to be less aggressive when kept in an aquarium with hardy plants and plenty of cover, and if kept well fed.

Sexual Differences:
   Both sexes become more intensely yellow during spawning, and black markings appear along the center of the body and dorsal area. The female has a patch in the center of her dorsal fin and a dark spot on the lower edge of her gill cover.

Breeding/Reproduction:
   The Salvini Cichlids are egg layers and form a nuclear family. They are good parents and the fry are guarded by both the male and female. See the description of how these fish breed in Breeding Freshwater Fish.

Buy Salvini Cichlid From LiveAquaria.com

Availability:
   The Salvini Cichlid (also called the Salvin's Cichlid, Yellow-Belly Cichlid, or Tricolor Cichlid) is generally available both online and in fish stores. It is usually moderately priced between about $6.00 - $14.00 USD, sometimes juveniles can be found for a bit less.

Author: David Brough, CFS