Not furry, but we like them anyway.
Salvin's Cichlid
Trichromis salvini (Günther, 1862)
Also called Salvini, Yellow belly cichlid, Tricolor cichlid
From Central America: Atlantic slope rivers of southern Mexico, Guatemala and Belize, with some sources extending the range to Honduras; prefers moderate to fast currents in lower and middle river reaches.123
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
Looks how to spot one
Elongate, streamlined cichlid
A slim, pointed-snouted cichlid in bright yellow with a row of dark blotches edged by blue spangles, dark facial bars and a red belly. Females show a dark spot on the dorsal fin and gill cover.32
Personality what they are like
Spirited and territorial, and a keen hunter of small fish; best with similar-sized, equally robust Central American cichlids.23
Daily activity how busy a day looks
An active, fast swimmer that needs open water as well as hiding spots.23
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Hardy; clean, well-filtered water and a varied diet keep its colours bright.23
Home where they are happiest
Around 150 litres or a base of at least 90 x 30 cm, with sand, plenty of caves and open swimming space. Water about 22 to 27 C, pH roughly 6.5 to 8.0, medium hardness.231
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Mostly meaty in the wild; in aquariums good cichlid pellets and flakes plus frozen or live foods and occasional vegetable matter.21
Company who they like around
Pairs share egg and fry care; raising about six juveniles together is the usual way to get a true pair.23
The story where it all began
Günther described the species in 1862 and named it after the British naturalist Osbert Salvin. After many years in Cichlasoma and related genera, it received its own genus, Trichromis, in 2015.13
Fun facts for the dinner table
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List
- Least Concern (assessed 31 August 2018)1
- Taxonomy
- Described by Günther in 1862; placed in its own genus Trichromis by McMahan and colleagues in 20153
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Salvin's Cichlid. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
- Temperature checkevery day
- Water changeAbout 25% of the waterevery week
- Water testevery week
- Glass cleanevery week
- Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Salvin's Cichlid?
Feed small amounts once or twice a day. This matches Furry Diary's starting plan, which suggests daily feeding in small portions. Furry Diary plan
What does a Salvin's Cichlid eat, and what should it never eat?
It eats mostly meaty foods, so offer good cichlid pellets and flakes plus frozen or live foods and occasional vegetable matter. Avoid any food not meant for cichlids, and never feed it live small fish that could cause health issues.21
How much space does a Salvin's Cichlid need?
It needs around 150 litres or a base of at least 90 x 30 cm, with sand, plenty of caves and open swimming space. This active swimmer requires room to move.231
What temperature, light or water does a Salvin's Cichlid need?
Keep water temperature between 22 and 27°C, pH roughly 6.5 to 8.0, with medium hardness. Provide good lighting and clean, well-filtered water to keep its colours bright.231
How often should I clean a Salvin's Cichlid's home?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a weekly 25% water change, weekly glass cleaning, and a monthly filter rinse in old tank water (never tap water). Also test the water weekly. Furry Diary plan
Can a Salvin's Cichlid live with others?
It is spirited and territorial, and a keen hunter of small fish. It is best with similar-sized, equally robust Central American cichlids. Raising about six juveniles together is the usual way to get a true pair.23
How long does a Salvin's Cichlid live?
Lifespan varies, so ask a good breeder or an exotic-pet vet for specific guidance. With proper care, they can live several years.
Can I handle a Salvin's Cichlid?
It is best not to handle this fish; it is a spirited swimmer and handling can stress it. Enjoy watching its active behaviour instead.23
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- FishBase: Trichromis salvini fishbase.seused for taxonomy, range, size, water, IUCN, eggs
- Seriously Fish: Cichlasoma salvini seriouslyfish.comused for care, tank size, water, diet, behaviour, breeding
- Wikipedia: Trichromis salvini en.wikipedia.orgused for names, genus history, colour, fun facts
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.