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Wolf cichlid (Parachromis dovii) — Cichlidae

Wolf cichlid

Parachromis dovii
Family: Cichlidae

The Wolf cichlid (Parachromis dovii) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 72 cm.

Length
72 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The wolf cichlid or guapote is a large predatory cichlid from fresh water of Central America, from Honduras to Costa Rica. The species grows to about 72 cm and has a robust, elongate body; males are golden-yellow to blue-green with a row of dark blotches, females smaller and more contrasting. As a top predator it guards a territory in lakes and rivers and hunts fish and large invertebrates. It is a highly attentive substrate brooder. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Wolf cichlid?

The Wolf cichlid has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Wolf cichlid live?

The Wolf cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Wolf cichlid get?

The Wolf cichlid grows to a maximum of about 72 cm.

Is the Wolf cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the Wolf cichlid is harmless to humans.

Is the Wolf cichlid edible?

Yes, the Wolf cichlid is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Wolfscichlide sourced
English name
Wolf cichlid sourced
Scientific name
Parachromis dovii
Family
Cichlidae
Other names
Rainbow bass; Wolf cichlid verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
72.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Yellow / gold sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Territorial
Yes sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
Yes sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Parachromis

More from the family Cichlidae

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