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Wolf cichlid indigenous to Central America was described in 1864 by Gunther. They stand unique because of their robust, sturdy, built, and attractive appearance. Still, they are not suited for everyone due to their aggressive demeanor, as keeping them requires a lot of care and a specialized setting.
| Scientific Name | Parachromis dovii |
| Other Names | Rainbow bass, guapote, dovi cichlid |
| Origin | Central America in the slopes of Costa Rica, Honduras, and Nicaragua |
| Type | Freshwater fish |
| Conservation Status | Not recorded |
| Behavioral Characteristics | Territorial, active, and predatory |
| School Size | Not fit for schooling because of their aggression and large size; only a mated pair may coexist |
| Physical Traits | Robust, heavily built, muscular body, with a large-sized mouth and teeth |
| Growth Rate | Fast, up to a length of about 9 – 12 inches (22.86 – 30.48 cm) in a year |
| Colors | Males: Golden yellow or silvery body with black, purple, and blue spots; Females: Yellow body Both genders have green and red patterns on their head and bluish-green coloration on their tail and fins |
| Size (How big do they get) | Big; 28.3 inches (72 cm) |
| Lifespan | 15 – 20 years on an average (that can go up to 30 years with proper care) |
| Sexual Dimorphism | Present; Besides the color differences, males are larger than their female counterparts |
| Probable Diseases | Head and lateral line erosion (HLLE), alongside bacterial and fungal infections |
| Approximate Price (How much is it for) | $ 15 – 20 |
| Care Level | Expert |
| Tank Size | 180 – 200 gallons (681.3 – 757. 08 liters) for a single fish |
Water Parameters
| pH Level | 7.0 – 8.0 |
| Temperature | 75° – 82°F (24 – 28°C) |
| Hardness | 5 – 20 dGH |
| Aquarium Water Flow | Fast |
Tank Ambience
| Lighting | Moderate |
| Substrate Type | Sand and gravel, alongside rock, wood, and pebbles to hide |
| Tank Mates | Compatible with: They are barely compatible with most fish and can either be housed singly or as a mated pair with their species or those with a similar temperament. Incompatible with: Small, medium-sized fish as well as bigger species with a gentle temperament |
| Suitable Position in the Tank | Top, middle or bottom |
Feeding
| Diet | Live or frozen food like brine shrimp and bloodworms, alongside flakes and pellets |
| Frequency | 2-3 times a day |
It is called rainbow bass due to its appealing appearance, similar to the colors of a rainbow. Its other name, “guapote” means handsome in Spanish.
