Species profile
Dovii Cichlid
Parachromis dovii
Aggressive
Hard care
1,500 L minimum aquarium
40–72 cm adult size
All levels
Can be kept singly
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Extreme adult size and aggression make this a specialist species. The housing figure is intentionally conservative and assumes a single adult; a pair requires considerably more space and robust separation options.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
24–28 °C
pH
6.8–8
GH
5–20 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Moderate
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Can be kept singly
Tank zone
All levels
Territory level
High
Predation risk
Small fish
Bioload factor
10
One of the most formidable aquarium cichlids. Adults can injure tankmates and handlers, attack equipment and become dramatically more aggressive when breeding. Do not plan a normal mixed community around it.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Caution
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
No / caution
Cave breeder
Yes
Digs substrate
Yes
Jump risk
Yes
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
10–15 years
Diet type
Carnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
1,500 L
Minimum footprint
300 × 90 cm
Accepted scientific name
Parachromis dovii
Alternative names
Dovii Cichlid, Wolf Cichlid
Native range
Central America, principally Nicaragua and Costa Rica.
Natural habitat
Large lakes and river systems. Adult aquarium housing requires exceptional footprint, massive filtration, secure heavy decor and protected equipment; this is a true tank-buster species.
Diet & feeding
Large predatory carnivore. Use high-quality complete large-cichlid foods supplemented with appropriate fish/invertebrate-based frozen foods. Avoid routine feeder fish and fatty mammalian meats.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Males grow much larger, develop heavier jaws and stronger blue/green patterning; females remain smaller and often show more yellow/orange tones.
Breeding
Biparental substrate/cavity spawner. Pairs excavate and clean a site and can produce very large broods; breeding aggression is extreme and separation infrastructure is essential.