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Salvini Cichlid, Trichromis salvini
Central American · Species profile

Salvini Cichlid care

Aggressive for its size and very territorial. Eats fish small enough to fit in its mouth.

  • Up to about 6 inches, not counting the tailAdult size
  • 72 to 79 FTemperature

Food

Mostly meaty foods, with a quality cichlid pellet as the staple and some vegetable matter.

Feeding guide

Tank mates

Jack Dempseys, firemouths and other robust Central Americans of similar size.

Compatibility guide

Best setup

A 36 inch tank or larger for one fish, more room with tank mates. Sand, large smooth rocks and driftwood, with strong filtration. Wedge or glue rockwork securely, as these fish dig and move things.

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Care basics

The salvini is a bright yellow and red Central American cichlid with a dark stripe and blue spangles. It is compact but feisty.

Keep it with similarly sized and tempered fish, such as Jack Dempseys, in a tank with plenty of rock caves.

Quick facts

Scientific nameTrichromis salvini
GroupCentral America
Native toSouthern Mexico, Guatemala and Belize
Adult sizeUp to about 6 inches, not counting the tail
Tank sizeA 36 inch tank or larger for one fish, more room with tank mates
Temperature72 to 79 F
pH6.5 to 8.0
TemperamentAggressive for its size and very territorial. Eats fish small enough to fit in its mouth.

Figures follow published species profiles such as Seriously Fish, and tank sizes are general guidance. Individual fish and local water vary, so test your water and ask your fish store about the specific fish you buy.

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Shop the Salvini Cichlid setup

The tank, food, filter, heater and decor that suit Salvini Cichlid, based on the care notes above.

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Gear We Recommend

Gear for Salvini Cichlid

All gear
Best for: Most mid size cichlids

Cichlid staple pellets

A balanced daily food. Sinking pellets reach shy fish too.

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Best for: Spawning and shy fish

Ceramic caves

Ready made spawning sites for cave breeders and plecos.

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Best for: Tanks 55 gallons and up

Canister filter

Moves lots of water and holds lots of media. The workhorse of most cichlid tanks.

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Best for: Starter Malawi or Central American

55 gallon tank

The classic 4 foot tank for a small mbuna group.

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