20" inches of power - Parachromis dovii

Probably the most powerful cichlid is the majestic dovii or wolf cichlid - Parachromis dovii. These beasts are found in Nicaragua and are an aquarium favourite due to their size, level of interaction and intelligence. They are also surprisingly gentle with each other when a pair forms. Males can be huge compared to females and seeing an adult male nuzzle a female and young fry is particularly satisfying.

In the wild these fish often have a symbiotic relationship with Hyphsophrys nicaraguensis where the male nic helps guard the dovii fry and in turn gets protection. Willem Heijns has shot some amazing footage of this phenomena.

One has to bear in mibd these are huge and exremely powerful cichlids. Males can easily top 20 inches and females can grow to more than a foot. They therefore require large living quaters - 200 gallons being a good starting point. A breeding pair will liquidise tankmates but single males or females can be mixed with caution.

Labidochromis caeruleus(Fryer 1956) the (yellow) blue cichlid

Labidochromis caeruleus - the black back cichlid - is probably one of the widest kept cichlids. Stunning in colouration it is found along a large part of the west coast of Lake Malawi. Although an mbuna, this fish is extremely passive and often kept in mixed communities.

But what is so remarkable is this cichlids has a variety of colour morphs, most of which are not yellow!  The clue is in the name as they are named caeruleus for their colour. Most morphs of this cichlid are in fact blue. Other combinations include white, blue white and yellow white. Indeed the famous yellow morph is only found in a small stretch of the lake near Lion's Cove and it is here from where our hobby fish originate. And most are descended from only one pair. This interbreeding has caused a huge deteriation in colour which is why many available are now washed out with excessive peppering. A far cry ftom their wild compatriates.

Sadly, due to overcollection and their small wild population, this fish should now be considered as vulnerable. Natural or human disaster could easily wipe out the beautiful yellow caeruleus. A few further collections have been made but the population density is becoming low so it may be time to introduce protective measures to save this fish. The pictures show my f1 specimens.