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Salvin's Cichlid
Cichlasoma salvini
Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Cichlidae
📍 Mexico, Guatemala & Belize
Vividly coloured medium cichlid with yellow and turquoise markings. Aggressive, especially when breeding. Hardy and tolerant of a range of water conditions.
Care Guide
Diet
Salvin's Cichlids are omnivorous and require a varied diet of high-quality cichlid pellets, flake foods, and regular protein supplements. Feed frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia 2-3 times weekly. Supplement with vegetable matter like blanched spinach or algae-based foods to support digestive health.
Behavior
Highly aggressive and territorial, especially during breeding season when they become extremely defensive of their spawning area. They are active swimmers that patrol the entire tank and will harass or attack smaller or similarly-sized fish. Best kept singly or in established pairs in dedicated tanks, as they will dominate community settings.
Breeding
Breeding in captivity is moderately difficult and requires a separate breeding tank of at least 55 gallons with plenty of caves or PVC pipes for spawning sites. Pairs are monogamous and highly aggressive toward other fish during breeding; remove all tank mates before spawning. Fry are relatively easy to raise on crushed flakes and newly hatched brine shrimp once free-swimming.
Tank Mates
Bottom-dweller that avoids conflict; helps with algae control without competing for space
Similar aggression levels; only compatible in larger tanks with multiple hiding spots
Comparable aggression; requires very large tank to minimize territorial disputes
Larger cichlid that can hold its own; less aggressive than Salvin's in most cases
Nocturnal bottom-dweller that minimizes daytime interaction and conflict
Common Diseases
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, flashing against objects
Raise temperature to 28-30°C, perform daily 25% water changes, use ich medication (malachite green or formalin) following product instructions
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, lethargy
Improve water quality with frequent water changes, remove sharp decorations, treat with antibacterial medication if severe
Hole-in-the-Head Disease
Pits or holes developing on head and lateral line, loss of appetite
Improve water quality, increase water change frequency, supplement with vitamin-enriched foods and quality pellets
Bacterial Infections
Open sores, cloudy eyes, swollen belly, torn fins
Isolate affected fish, perform daily water changes, treat with broad-spectrum antibiotic medication
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