Yellow belly cichlid - Cichlasoma salvini

Scientific name: Cichlasoma salvini

Common name: Yellow belly cichlid

Family: Cichlidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 20 - 24 cm (7.87 - 9.45 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 7 - 8.1

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 7 - 25°N (125 - 446.43ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 23 - 27 °C (73.4 - 80.6°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: South America

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: aggressive to smaller

Usual place in the tank: Bottom levels

Food and feeding

The Salvini Cichlid should accept all foods offered. Use a quality flake or cichlid pellets for the staple diet. Treats of blood worms, brine shrimp, mysis, and chopped earth worms will be readily accepted.

Origin

South America; Yellow belly cichlids are to be found in Belize, Guatemala, and Southern Mexico.

Sexing

Males will be more brightly coloured than the females and they will have extended finnage, the females will display a mark in the centre of the dorsal fin.

Breeding

The eggs will be laid on a prepared flat rock or stone that the parents have cleaned. The male will defend the territory, while the female tends the nest. The eggs should hatch a few days later and once the fry are free swimming, they can be fed on newly hatched brine shrimp.

Lifespan

The expected life span for Yellow belly cichlid is 10 years.

Short description

Hiding places need to be added to the tank, use wood or rocks to create these. Open swimming spaces should be left at the front and Cichlasoma salvini are renowned for not uprooting plants in the tank.

Pictures

Bought by aqua-fish.net from jjphoto.dk. Also thanks to Jonathon Whipple.