Wolf Cichlid
Parachromis dovii
The Wolf Cichlid (Parachromis dovii) is an aggressive fish that's best left to experienced keepers. Give it a tank of at least 1000 litres (264 US gallons), water held at 75-86°F, and a pH of 7-8.
Captive lifespan reflects typical experience in a home aquarium, not maximum recorded age; genetics, sourcing, and care vary.
Natural distribution
Central America
- Central America & Mexico
Regional colours match the stocking calculator's origin map.
Wolf Cichlid Tank Setup
Give them at least 1000 litres (264 US gallons). Cichlids are territorial and produce plenty of waste, so strong filtration and some rocks or wood to break up sight lines both help. Aim for 75-86°F and a pH around 7-8. They grow to around 70 cm, so plan the tank size and filtration for a full-grown adult rather than the small juvenile you see in the shop.
What Do Wolf Cichlids Eat?
They're meat-eaters, so feed good-quality frozen or gel foods rather than relying on generic flake. Go easy on portions - leftover protein fouls the water faster than plant foods do.
Wolf Cichlid Tank Mates
One of the most aggressive cichlids. Predatory apex predator; will eat anything that fits in its mouth. Keep alone or with mate only. The Wolf Cichlid is aggressive, which is the first thing to weigh up when you choose tank mates. It's a known fin-nipper, so avoid bettas, guppies, and other slow, long-finned fish. It's predatory, so anything small enough to fit in its mouth will be treated as food rather than a companion. Before you buy, run your full stocking list through our stocking calculator. It weighs temperament, adult size, and water needs together, which a single species page can't do on its own.
Are Wolf Cichlids Good for Beginners?
Not a sensible first purchase. Get the tank cycled, keep easier fish stable for a year, then revisit if you still want the extra work this species demands.
Wolf Cichlid - frequently asked questions
What size tank do Wolf Cichlids need?
Wolf Cichlids need a tank of at least 1000 litres (264 US gallons). A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable, and gives them more room to settle in and behave naturally.
What water parameters do Wolf Cichlids need?
Keep them at 75-86°F with a pH of 7-8, steady rather than chased to an exact figure. In a cycled tank, ammonia and nitrite should both read 0 ppm, with nitrate kept low through regular water changes.
What do Wolf Cichlids eat?
Wolf Cichlids are meat-eaters. Feed good-quality frozen or gel foods rather than relying on generic flake, and don't overfeed. Feed small amounts once or twice a day, and remove anything they don't eat.
Are Wolf Cichlids good for beginners?
Wolf Cichlids are not a beginner species. They need precise conditions and consistent maintenance, so build experience with hardier fish before keeping them.
Common mistakes with Wolf Cichlids
- Underestimating tank size - the minimum footprint is 1000 litres (264 US gallons); impulse buying into a smaller tank leads to stress and shortened lifespan.
- Mixing with long-finned fish - Wolf Cichlids will nip at bettas, angelfish, and other fish with flowing fins, causing stress and infection risk.
Building a community? Run the full list through the stocking calculator before you add anything else.
Great tank mates
Chosen from temperament, overlapping temperature/pH bands, plausible minimum tank footprints, and size versus yours in App-aquatic data. Hobby nuance always wins - verify stocking and temperament before purchasing.
Fish to avoid mixing with Wolf Cichlids
These well-known species are commonly sold alongside this fish but are not recommended tank mates - verify before purchasing.
- Pea PufferPredator - Pea Puffer will eat or injure smaller tank mates
- Betta (Male)Predator - Betta (Male) will eat or injure smaller tank mates
- Cardinal TetraSize risk - Wolf Cichlids will likely eat Cardinal Tetra at adult size
