Salvini Cichlid Identification Guide

Key identification features

• Moderately elongated, laterally compressed body typical of Central American cichlids
• Base color yellow-gold to olive along the back and upper flanks
• Bold black horizontal blotch line running along the midline, with a distinct dark spot at the base of the tail
• Turquoise-blue speckling scattered across the cheeks, gill covers, and fins
• Red-orange wash on the lower body, throat, and belly, most intense on breeding males
• Dark band running vertically through the eye; adult males reach about 15-18 cm

Common look-alikes

• Firemouth cichlid: shows a solid red-orange throat patch that flares during displays, rather than salvini's row of dark midline blotches.
• Convict cichlid: patterned with bold vertical bars rather than a horizontal blotch line, and lacks salvini's orange-red belly coloring.
• Red terror: much larger and deeper-bodied with a more uniformly reddish tone, lacking the distinct black blotch row and turquoise speckling of salvini.

Where you'll see one

Salvini cichlids are native to slow-moving rivers, streams, and lagoons on the Atlantic slope of Central America, from southern Mexico through Belize and Guatemala. They favor vegetated, slow-current waters and have also become established in canals and waterways in southern Florida through introductions.