Parachromis dovii – Wolf Cichlid

Parachromis dovii – Wolf Cichlid

The Parachromis dovii is one of the largest and most aggressive cichlids kept in an aquarium. Despite its size, it is sensitive to poor water quality, frequent water changes, replacing a large percentage at a time, is necessary to keep these big boys healthy.

It should come as no surprise that the aquarium for this species must be quite large, at least 1200 liters and preferably much larger. A fully grown male grows to about 70 cm, while the female remains considerably smaller at about 38 cm.

The name refers to John Melmoth Dow, common names are Wolf Cichlid, Guapote, and Rainbow Bass. Parachromis dovii is a predatory fish and an active swimmer, they can be kept together with other large cichlids, but once they are adults they become quite aggressive and claim the entire aquarium for themselves. Smaller fish are seen as food. It is certainly not a beginner’s fish.

Synonyms: Cichlasoma dovii, Heros dovii, Herichthys dovii.

Origin

Lake Nicaragua, from Honduras to Costa Rica.

Character

The males are extremely aggressive towards other male conspecifics, including towards the males of the other Parachromis species (see for example P. friedrichsthalii and P. managuensis). Sometimes other species are kept with a few dovii, these can only be species that are strong and large. Everything that fits in its mouth is eaten. The interior of the tank will also be regularly turned upside down, so hard plants and sturdy anchoring of rocks, for example, are a must to prevent the rocks from crushing his partner or worse, breaking the glass. It can also happen that a male specimen destroys the filter inflow and outflow or destroys the heating element. So the best thing is to hide it in a place where he can’t reach it.

Diet

It is an omnivore, but prefers live or frozen food. Baitfish or small guppies are often fed. Granules can be given as a supplement.

Breeding Parachromis dovii – Wolf Cichlid

The breeding itself is quite simple. With fully grown specimens this can be very wonderful. After cleaning a piece of rock, the pair lays between 500 and 3,000 eggs, after which the female fans the eggs and the male keeps watch over the territory. After about 3 days the eggs will hatch, 4 to 7 days later the young can swim freely. During this period, be careful with maintenance in the tank, the male’s aggression is now reaching its peak, as an intruder in his territory you can expect him to bite your fingers or forearm and that is quite painful for this size fish. The young can be raised with Artemia nauplii, cyclops, daphnia and crushed flakes.

Video

Authors

Coby
John de Lange

Copyright images

Gerry Verrier
John de Lange