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Etymology: Named after Salvin.

Synonyms: Heros salvini, Heros triagramma.

Class: Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes) Order: Perciiformes Family: Cichlidae

First European import: Germany, 1913, by C. Siggelkow.

Description: See picture.

Care: Aggressive fish that are best kept in pairs in a species tank, or combined with other large South American Cichlids. The fish require a lot of free swimming space, and some hideouts created with stones and driftwood. Cichlasoma salvini doesn't dig and doesn't eat the plants, so it's possible to keep them in a nice planted tank. Frequent waterchanges and a good filtration system are beneficial, and will get the fish in breeding condition.

Temperature:22-26°C

Feeding: Omnivorous, all food is accepted.

Size: Up to 15 cm.

pH: 6.0-7.5

Breeding: Soft to medium hard water, slighly acidic or neutral, and higher temperatures will induce spawning. The fish will clan a flat stone thoroughly, and deposit up to 500 eggs on it. The eggs and fry are guarded by both parent.

Sexual dimorphism: Males with longer fins and a bluish shine(is lacking in the females).

Prices: Unknown, can be somewhat expensive in shops.

Additional:

Picture references:Picture: E. Naus

References:Baensch, H. A., Riehl, R.(1982): Aquarien Atlas I. Mergus Verlag, Melle, Germany.(click on the link to buy this book)

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