Salvini cichlid

The salvini cichlid ("Cichlasoma salvini" ) is an uncommon aquarium fish found in Mexico. It is also called the yellow-belly cichlid and the tricolored cichlid.

Appearance

The Salvini cichlid is oblong in shape and has a rather pointed mouth compared to other C.A. cichlids. They are yellow with two lines of black "flowers" along the side and upper half of the back of the fish. These flowers have a blue pearl outline. It has black bars that cross the face, and both sexes have red bellies. The female has a more pronounced red belly especially when ready to spawn, she also has a patch in the center of her dorsal fin and a spot on the lower part of her gill cover, she will also be smaller than males. The male will be duller in color, be larger and have longer, more pointed fins. They both are beautiful fish with red through their fins and blue pearls all through their bodies. Both male and female become more vibrant during breeding.

Distribution

The Salvini cichlid is found along the eastern coastal rivers and lagoons at lower elevations of Central America, from Mexico south to Honduras. Some have been found in Florida and Texas. Salvini's prefer the moderate to fast moving current over that of a calm lake.

Care Requirements

The Salvini cichlid is a very hardy fish your tank water should be between 72–82 degrees fahrenheit. They prefer a higher p.h. of around 8.0, and need to be kept in nothing smaller than a 40g tank. They get to be 6" and are quite aggressive toward other tank mates. Give them plenty of rocks and logs to hide in and lots of open swimming space too. The salvini will beat on anything smaller or less aggressive than it.

Feeding

Feeding your Salvini is easy. They accept a wide variety of foods. It is best to not feed your aquarium fish "feeders" because of the risk of disease and infections. Instead vary their diets between foods like krill, bloodworms, shrimp, beef heart, and use cichlid pellets/sticks as a staple for your fishes diet. It is scientifically designed to meet your fishes health requirements.

External links

* [http://cichlid.infocrux.com/Salvini-Cichlid.html The Salvini Cichlid: Cichlasoma Salvini]