Parachromis dovii

Parachromis dovii, the wolf cichlid, rainbow bass, or guapote, is a species of cichlid native to Central America, where it occurs in lakes, rivers and streams in Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica.^[1] It is one of the largest cichlids, reaching up to 14 kg (31 lb) in weight and 80 cm (2.6 ft) long.^[3] A highly predatory species, it mostly feeds on other fish.^[2] P. dovii is important to local commercial fisheries, is sought after as a gamefish,^[2] and is sometimes kept in aquariums.^[4]

Parachromis dovii
Male Parachromis dovii at the Tennessee Aquarium
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Actinopterygii
Order:	Cichliformes
Family:	Cichlidae
Genus:	Parachromis
Species:	P. dovii
Binomial name
Parachromis dovii (Günther, 1864)
Synonyms[2]
Heros dovii Günther, 1864 Cichlasoma dovii (Günther, 1864) Herichthys dovii (Günther, 1864)

Etymology

The fish is named in honor of John Melmoth Dow (1827–1892) of the Panama Railroad Company. As a ship captain and amateur naturalist, he collected the type specimen.^[5]

As pets

Parachromis dovii is sometimes sought after by well experienced aquarists. While they are noted for their relatively high intelligence and lifespan of up to a few decades, they require special care due to their large size and high levels of aggression even by cichlid standards, meaning that few — if any — tank mates are possible.^[4]

Conservation

Parachromis dovii is widespread in its native range and generally common. Although it has declined locally due to overfishing and pollution, it is not considered threatened.^[1] It occurs in Costa Rica's Maquenque National Wildlife Refuge.^[6] The species has been introduced to some locations in Central America where it is not native.^[1]