Red Dovii Cichlid (Parachromis dovii “red”)

One of the largest growing Cichlids found in the Americas, the Dovii or Wolf Cichlid originates from coastal fresh waters of Central America, with their range extending from Honduras South to the Panama/Costa Rica border. In the wild, they are known locally as Guapote and are an important food and sport fish due to their massive adult size and fierce, powerfully aggressive nature. The Red Dovii or Gold Dovii appears to be a xanthic mutation that displays reduced pigment, a base yellow or gold coloration, and iridescent red or orange spotting instead of the characteristic blue spots normally exhibited by wild Dovii Cichlids. This red morph has been encountered only very rarely in wild fish but is now bred for the aquarium hobby. In the aquarium, this fish is best kept singly in a very large display aquarium as larger fish will rarely allow tankmates long term. Due to its large adult size and aggression, the Dovii Cichlid is best suited for experienced Cichlid hobbyists prepared to dedicate a suitably large aquarium for one display fish long term.