Wolf Cichlid (Parachromis dovii)
| Wolf Cichlid Parachromis dovii | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Wolf Cichlid |
| Name Lat. | Parachromis dovii |
| Synonym | Heros dovii |
| Family | Cichlids |
| Family lat. | Cichlidae |
| Order | Cichlids |
| Order lat. | Cichliformes |
| Origin | Central America |
| Habitat | Rivers, lakes |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| pH | 6.0-8.0 |
| Behavior | Predatory, aggressive |
| Keeping | Individual, pair |
| Care Level | Difficult |
| Reproduction | Substrate spawner |
| Breeding | Moderately difficult |
| Life Span | 20-30 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 40-60 cm |
| Temperature | 22-28 °C |
| Hardness | 5-20 °dH |
| Aquarium | 1,000 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 16"-24" |
| Temperature | 72-82 °F |
| Hardness | 89-356 ppm |
| Aquarium | 260 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The range of the leopard cichlid extends from Nicaragua to Costa Rica. They mostly live in lakes, but also in rivers with weak current with sandy muddy bottoms, stones, roots and dead wood. Some differently colored site variants are known.
Maintenance
The aquarium should have plenty of hiding places, with rocks, rock structures and roots, as well as plenty of swimming space. A deep, sandy substrate for burrowing and some subdued light (floating plants) is ideal.
No ammonia, ammonium or nitrite should be detectable, and the nitrate level should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure the water quality and oxygen content, a filter and heater adapted to the aquarium size is required, as well as lighting for the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals.
Diet
The diet for these predatory fish consists of live or frozen foods, such as mysis, red mosquito larvae, krill, shrimp with shell and clam meat, or a commercial frozen special food mix for large cichlids, as well as earthworms or meal beetle larvae for adults. After acclimation, high-quality, protein-rich dry food for cichlids (pellets, granules) is also accepted.
Only as much should be fed as is eaten immediately (in a maximum of 10 minutes). Regular and varied feeding promotes health and increases resistance.
Behaviour and compatibility
They are very aggressive cichlids, also intraspecific and behave extremely territorial not only at spawning time. Keeping several animals is only possible in a much larger and richly structured tank. They can only be socialized with larger and robust fish. Fish that are too small are considered prey.
Basically, only compatible fish species with similar demands on water quality and water temperature may be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
Males are larger, have longer, more pointed dorsal and anal fins, and greenish coloration on the mouth and fins.
Reproduction and breeding
Once a pair has formed, breeding is easy. However, it should be remembered that up to 1,000 fry can develop from one clutch
They spawn on shallow rocks or roots (open brooders). Both parents engage in intensive brood care (parental family) and vigorously defend the territory. After 2-3 days, the fry hatch and are then housed and guarded in a bottom pit until they swim freely after 5-7 days. The school of fry is guarded by the parents for some time.
Fry must be fed several times a day with special rearing food (e.g. Artemia nauplii).
Important
They like to burrow, accordingly, stone structures must be very stable. Plants should be placed in heavy pots and secured with stones against rooting, but planting is not necessary.
In nature they can grow up to 70 cm and are a popular food fish.
The well-being of the fish should be checked regularly. Temperature should be checked daily, pH, hardness and nitrate levels at least every 14 days. Regular partial water changes are recommended, even if the contaminant level has not yet reached the upper limit. Sudden changes in water quality should be avoided. Newly introduced fish must be accustomed slowly to the water in the aquarium.
Further literature can be found in your pet store.
References
Text: Werner Winter; Image: Anton Lamboj
Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); BAENSCH & RIEHL (2004): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 2, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF