Parachromis dovii | |
---|---|
Male Parachromis dovii at the Tennessee Aquarium | |
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] | |
|
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]
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]
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]
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]
Parachromis dovii | |
---|---|
Male Parachromis dovii at the Tennessee Aquarium | |
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] | |
|
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]
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]
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]
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]