Description

The Salvini Cichlid (Cichlasoma salvini)

is found in the Rio Papaloapan in south-eastern Mexico, as well as in Guatemala and Belize to the east. It resides in rivers with moderate to fast water flow in the lower and middle valleys. Aquariums housing a single pair of fish should have a minimum length of 4 feet, but larger tanks (6 feet or more) are necessary for several specimens or when cohabitating with other fish. There should be Plenty hiding spots available among the driftwood and rocky caverns, and flower pots placed horizontally are also highly valued. To ensure the survival of plants in the aquarium, it is advisable to select resilient species like Java Fern (Microsorum sp.) or Anubias sp. that can be attached to the wood. This is because plants that are rooted in the substrate are likely to be uprooted.

An effective filtration system should exhibit a high level of oxygenation and incorporate sections of vigorous water flow, as well as provide some tranquil resting spots away from the main current. Similar to other freshwater species, these cichlids cannot survive an accumulation of nitrates in the aquarium. They need consistently high-quality water conditions in order to thrive, making regular partial water changes crucial. Salvini Cichlids are widely recognized for their highly aggressive nature, which intensifies further during the breeding period, leading to increased territorial behavior.

Sexual disparity

In mature fish, the males are larger, with elongated anal and dorsal fins. Female fish are usually more colourful and sport a dark blotch on the bottom of the gill covers and also in the centre of the dorsal fin.

• Temp 24-28
• PH 6.5-7.5
• Size 15-20cm