Salvini Cichlid
Salvini Cichlid (Cichlasoma salvini) — also known as the Tricolor Cichlid or Yellow Belly Cichlid — is a spectacularly colored Central American cichlid. Males develop a vivid combination of yellow body, red belly, and blue-green iridescent scaling with a striking black lateral stripe — a tricolor pattern that is genuinely breathtaking in a dominant male.
Feeding & Care Tip: Hikari Cichlid Bio-Gold is the ideal staple — Hikari Micro Pellets as backup. Supplement 2–3× per week with Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms. Feed 2–3 times daily. Males in peak breeding color are among the most spectacular freshwater fish available — high-quality varied feeding develops the full tricolor pattern.
The Salvini requires a robust setup with significant rockwork and decor to break sightlines. Minimum 55-gallon tank for a pair. This species will attack tankmates vigorously during spawning — tank dividers or backup tanks should be available.
Best kept as a bonded pair — finding a compatible pair can take time as Salvinis can be aggressive even with potential mates. Once bonded, pairs are devoted and powerful. Not suitable for community aquariums — keep with large Central American cichlids only.
Native to Atlantic slope rivers of Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, and Honduras. Note: this is a Central American cichlid listed in this African cichlid collection. The Salvini rewards the aquarist willing to manage its aggression with one of the most spectacular color displays in the freshwater hobby.
Care & Ideal Parameters
| Difficulty | Moderate — Advanced |
| Temperament | Aggressive — Central American cichlid specialist |
| Typical Adult Size | 8 inches (20 cm) |
| Min. Group Size | Bonded pair — 55+ gallon minimum |
| Ideal Temp | 75–82°F (24–28°C) |
| Ideal pH | 7.0–8.0 |
| Ideal GH | 8–20 dGH |
| Ideal KH | 4–12 dKH |
| Staple Food | Hikari Cichlid Bio-Gold; Hikari Micro Pellets (backup) |
| Treat / Supplement | Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms |
| Origin | Atlantic slope rivers, Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras |
| Notes | Central American cichlid — not African. Also called Tricolor or Yellow Belly Cichlid. Spectacular tricolor male coloration. Aggressive — not for community tanks. 55+ gallon minimum. |
