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Salvini (Trichromis salvini) — Cichlidae

Salvini

Trichromis salvini
Family: Cichlidae
LC · Least Concern
NativeIntroduced

The Salvini (Trichromis salvini) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 22 cm.

Length
22 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Rivers of Central America.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

Salvini's cichlid (Trichromis salvini) is a colourful cichlid from Central America. The species has a streamlined body with a yellow to orange belly, red hues and two rows of dark blotches along the flank, and reaches about 22 cm. It prefers moderate to fast-flowing sections of the lower and middle river courses. It is an aggressive predatory cichlid feeding on macro-invertebrates and small fishes. During breeding the species forms pairs and lays the eggs on a surface, after which both parents fiercely defend the brood. Owing to its vivid colours it is popular with cichlid keepers.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Salvini?

The Salvini has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly multicoloured and shows a spots pattern. Yellow to orange belly with red tints and two rows of dark blotches; aggressive parental care.

Where does the Salvini live?

The Salvini lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Rivers of Central America.

How big does the Salvini get?

The Salvini grows to a maximum of about 22 cm.

Is the Salvini dangerous to humans?

No, the Salvini is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

Is the Salvini edible?

The Salvini is not usually eaten.

More photos

Salvini (Trichromis salvini) — Cichlidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Tony Schollmeier, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Salvini (Trichromis salvini) — Cichlidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Bradley Rasmussen, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Salvini (Trichromis salvini) — Cichlidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) John Aufderheide, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Salvini (Trichromis salvini) — Cichlidae — 5
kary (CC BY-NC 4.0) via GBIF — iNaturalist
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Salvini verified
Scientific name
Trichromis salvini
Family
Cichlidae
Other names
Salvin's Cichlid; Tricolor cichlid; Yellow belly cichlid; Yellowbelly cichlid verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
22.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Multicoloured inferred
Pattern
Spots inferred
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
Rivers of Central America. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Macroinvertebrates and small fishes sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Yellow to orange belly with red tints and two rows of dark blotches; aggressive parental care. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

More from the family Cichlidae

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