Yellow belly cichlid - Trichromis salvini

Scientific name: Trichromis salvini

Common name: Yellow belly cichlid

Family: Cichlidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 15 - 20 cm (5.91 - 7.87 inch)

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Recommended pH range: 7 - 8

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

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

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

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: Central America

Temperament to its own species: aggressive/territorial

Temperament toward other fish species: aggressive to smaller

Usual place in the tank: Middle levels

Short description

The Yellow belly cichlid (Trichromis salvini, syn. Cichlasoma salvini) is a brilliantly colored Central American cichlid prized for its electric yellow body, blue spangling, and bold black lateral bars. Despite its size, it is highly territorial and pugnacious, especially when breeding. Keep it in spacious tanks with solid décor that breaks lines of sight; avoid housing with small or delicate fish.

Origin

Endemic to Central America — Atlantic-slope drainages of southern Mexico (Yucatán/Tabasco), Belize, and Guatemala. It inhabits rivers and lagoons with moderate current, sandy or rocky bottoms, and plentiful cover.

Food and feeding

An omnivore with a carnivorous bias. Provide a quality cichlid pellet/granule as the staple, plus frozen foods such as krill, mysis, shrimp, bloodworms, and chopped fish. Offer vegetable matter (spirulina flakes, blanched peas/spinach) occasionally to aid digestion. Avoid mammalian meats and feeder fish. Feed modest portions 1–2× daily.

Sexing

Females are often more vividly marked than males: typically a dark blotch in the center of the dorsal fin and a richer orange-red belly when in breeding condition. Males grow larger with more extended dorsal/anal fin tips and comparatively less red on the belly.

Breeding

A biparental substrate spawner. The pair cleans a flat stone, wood, or a pit among rocks and lays ~150–400 eggs. At ~26 °C, eggs hatch in 2–3 days; fry are free-swimming after 4–6 days. The female tends eggs/larvae while the male defends the territory. Start fry on newly hatched brine shrimp and quality powdered foods. Remove tank mates during breeding—aggression escalates sharply.

Lifespan

With good care expect 10–12 years.

Behavior & compatibility

Assertive to aggressive. Keep as a single specimen or a bonded pair. Suitable tank mates (only in large aquaria) are similarly robust Central American cichlids and large catfish that occupy different niches. Anything small enough to fit in the mouth may be eaten. Provide strong filtration and clear territorial boundaries.

Tank requirements

Tank size: 300–400 L for a single adult; larger for a pair or community.
Aquascape: sand or fine gravel with heavy rockwork/driftwood to create caves and sightline breaks; leave open lanes for swimming.
Water: pH ~7.0–8.0, moderate–hard; 23–27 °C fits well. Prioritize stability and low nitrate (30–50% weekly water changes).
Filtration: powerful, with high oxygenation; this is a messy, protein-rich feeder.

Notes

Adult size in home aquaria is typically 15–18 cm, though large males can approach 20 cm. Reports above that are uncommon in captivity.

⚔️ Territory tip:

The Yellow belly cichlid (Trichromis salvini) is highly territorial, especially when a pair forms. Keep one male per territory and provide heavy rock/driftwood structures that create broken sightlines and multiple caves.

House as a single specimen or a bonded pair. If keeping with other robust Central American cichlids, use a large tank with clearly separated zones and be ready to re-home or divide fish if aggression spikes.

Remove or partition during breeding; aggression towards tank mates rises sharply. Dither fish are generally not recommended with breeding pairs.

Pictures

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

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Did you know?

Fish ponds do need aeration as much as fish tanks do; A fountain often does the job perfectly.
Fish often chase each other (games, mating or fights for territories) and thus having sharp-edged decorations in a tank isn’t wise.
Temperature in two fish tanks must be same if you’re moving fish from one to another, otherwise fish may suffer a shock and could die.
Adding marine shells to a freshwater tank is OK (unless they have been varnished) – they will decompose and release minerals to the water.
Except for live and frozen food, always store fish food in a dry and dark place. Never feed your fish expired food; Always check for the “best before” date!