Range and Identity
The retained scientific name is Cichlasoma salvini. Its native distribution follows Atlantic-draining Central American waters from southern Mexico into Guatemala and Belize. Aquarium occurrence elsewhere should remain separate from evidence of a naturally occurring population in a particular river.
Habitat and Behavior
The species is associated with flowing river habitat rather than being described only as a fish of still ponds. Lower and middle valleys provide the documented setting. Current strength, river position and local cover are more informative than applying one aquarium-style habitat label to every record.
Food and Life History
The maximum reference is twenty-two centimeters standard length, which excludes the tail. Spawning accounts report several hundred eggs, with roughly five to six hundred in the compiled example. That is a reported reproductive range, not a guaranteed output for every pair.
Field Note
When comparing size reports, retain standard versus total length. Including the tail in one measurement but not another can create an apparent difference that is purely methodological.
All Lakes With Salvin's Cichlid
Browse lakes and reservoirs with documented Salvin's Cichlid records, listed alphabetically. Records do not establish current abundance or public access. Check the evidence and managing authority for the water you choose.
No published lakes are currently linked to this species in our confirmed records.