Wolf Cichlid (Parachromis dovii)

Scientific Name(s): Parachromis dovii, Cichlasoma dovii, Herichthys dovii, Heros dovii

 

Common Name(s): Wolf Cichlid, Guapote, Dovii Cichlid

 

Family: Cichlidae

 

Species Type: South American Cichlids

 

Maximum Size: 28 inches

 

Life Span: 15 years

 

Natural Habitat: South American Rivers

 

Minimum Tank Size: 500+ gallons

 

Tank Region: All over

 

Possible Tank Mates: This species is usually best left in a species only tank.

 

Description: Maintain a temperature at the lower end of the Wolf Cichlids temperature range to reduce aggression if required. The sheer physical size of this fish will be a powerful factor in determining its suitability for an aquarium: while this is a rewarding species for the Cichlid specialist, it IS a classic 'tank buster' that requires huge quarters as an adult (make that COLOSSAL quarters if housed with other large Cichlids!). A fish that should only be taken on by a dedicated and knowledgeable keeper prepared to make the large capital investment in the size of aquarium that this giant Cichlid needs and deserves. Feed cichlid pellets and frozen blood worms. Also feeds on small fish and earthworms. A large tank is required with hiding places if there is more than one fish to be housed. Plants are not required and are usually uprooted.

 

Temperature Range 70°F - 84°F

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pH Range 6.4 - 7.6

pH 5.0

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Hardness 10° - 20°

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Breeding Information: Spawning will usually be on a large flat rock in the middle of the tank. Breeding is not usually difficult, but finding a pair will be hard. Many hiding places are needed for the female as she will be chased and bit constantly by the male until she is either killed or they become a pair. The female will produce an enormous amount of eggs.

 

Sexing Information: Females grow smaller, while males have a green tinge to their nose and fins.

 

Diet: Carnivorous - does well with live, frozen or freeze dried foods. Also may accept pellet foods.

 

Temperment: Predatory; Extremely aggressive. An adult Wolf Cichlid will usually dominate any tank, no matter what the occupants. Should only be kept with other large, aggressive cichlids, and even then in a very large tank with many distinct territories.

 

Common Diseases: None specific to species.

 

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Wolf Cichlid (Parachromis dovii)