Scientific name: Parachromis dovii

Common name: Wolf cichlid

Family: Cichlidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 40 - 70 cm (15.75 - 27.56 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 7 - 8

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 12 - 18°N (214.29 - 321.43ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 24 - 28 °C (75.2 - 82.4°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: Central America

Temperament to its own species: aggressive/territorial

Temperament toward other fish species: aggressive/territorial

Usual place in the tank: Bottom levels

Food and feeding

Wolf cichlids will initially only accept live foods but they can be taught too accept other foods like beef heart, commercial pellets etc. Some keepers give then a diet of feeder fish like the common young goldfish but this can run the risk of adding diseases into your tank.

Origin

This is a Central American cichlid, it can be found from Honduras, right down to Costa Rica.

Sexing

Males tend to have more extended fins with black dots on their heads. Females do not have these dots and there background color is more yellowish.

Breeding

Wolf cichlids reach maturity at about 5 inches in length. They may spawn on flat surfaces or in caves depending on the individual fish. Batches of 1500 eggs will be laid and after 5 days these should hatch. The fry will be free swimming a few days later and can be fed on brine shrimp. Be prepared to size the fry as they develop as the larger ones may eat any under developed ones.

Lifespan

Expected life span is 15 years.

Short description

Parachromis dovii are quite a hardy fish but they do produce a lot of waste, regular water changes are a must. They also have a good set of teeth, putting your hand in the tank may seem a threat to them, always be cautious!