What size tank do salvini cichlids need?
At least 30 gallons (114 liters) for a pair. The smallest standard tank that works is the 29 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable. We give the size for an adult fish in a pair, because the small fish in the shop will grow. Scientific name: Trichromis salvini.
How many salvini cichlids in each tank size?
This is how many each standard tank carries comfortably if salvini cichlids are the only fish in it. Share the tank with other species and the number goes down.
| Tank | How many salvini cichlids |
|---|---|
| 5 gallon | Too small |
| 10 gallon | Too small |
| 20 gallon long | Too small |
| 29 gallon | 2 |
| 40 gallon breeder | 2 |
| 55 gallon | 2 |
| 75 gallon | up to 4 |
| 125 gallon | up to 8 |
Check salvini cichlids against your own tank and other fish
Good to know
- Best kept as a pair. A pair will claim a patch of the tank floor and defend it, most of all when they have eggs.
- It eats fish small enough to swallow. Choose tankmates at least half its length.
Tank mates for salvini cichlids
These animals like the same water, are a safe size, and have a temper that fits. It is a match on paper: always watch new tankmates for the first week.
- Rainbow shark
- Red-tailed black shark
- Firemouth cichlid
- Convict cichlid
- Three-spot gourami
- Yoyo loach
- African butterfly fish
- Electric blue acara
Poor matches
- Betta: Salvini cichlid is aggressive and much bigger. Betta would be bullied.
- Fancy goldfish: Goldfish do best with other fancy goldfish.
Questions and answers
What size tank do salvini cichlids need?
At least 30 gallons (114 liters) for a pair. The smallest standard tank that works is the 29 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable.
How many salvini cichlids should be kept together?
At least 2. Salvini cichlids are social animals and only behave naturally in a group. More is better if the tank has room.
Can salvini cichlids live in a 10 gallon tank?
No. Salvini cichlid needs at least 30 gallons (114 liters), and grows to 6 in (15 cm), far too long for a 20 inch tank.
What temperature do salvini cichlids need?
72–79 °F (22–26 °C), with a pH of 6.5–8. In most homes that means a heater.
Can salvini cichlids live with a betta?
It is not a good match. Salvini cichlid is aggressive and much bigger. Betta would be bullied.
More fish
- Red zebra cichlid
- Rainbow cichlid
- Texas cichlid
- Festivum
- Umbrella dwarf cichlid
- Salt and pepper corydoras
- All 150 species
Adult size, tank size and water ranges follow the mainstream care consensus (Seriously Fish species profiles and FishBase maximum lengths). Where sources differ we use the more cautious figure. Stocking numbers come from our stocking calculator.