Common Sizes of Dovii for Fish Tanks

The dovii, or wolf cichlid, is one of the largest and most aggressive fish species kept in home aquariums. Because of its rapid growth and very large adult size, the wolf cichlid requires an aquarium of at least 130 gallons in order to thrive. Contrary to popular misconceptions, no fish grows to "fit" its tank; a wolf cichlid will either reach massive proportions or will die prematurely.

  1. One to Three Inches

    • Dovii fry reach a length of 1 to 3 inches within several weeks of hatching. At this age, breeders may sell them to pet stores or directly to fishkeeping hobbyists. Unfortunately, many fishkeepers see these small fry and assume that they are looking at adult fish. This can lead to the hobbyist placing the fish in an inappropriately small tank. At this young age, dovii fry tend to eat their smaller siblings; it is important to separate them as soon as they begin displaying differences in size and strength.

    Four to Seven Inches

    • When a young dovii is between 4 and 7 inches in size, it begins displaying sex-specific traits. Males develop longer, pointed fins and dot-like markings on their heads. Females have have more rounded fins and lack the dotted markings. While females have a yellow-toned base color, males are bluish. A half-foot length is common in home aquariums, because the fish displays vibrant colors at this age but is still a relatively manageable size.

    Eight to Twelve Inches

    • Dovii fish can grow very rapidly and may reach a length of 1 foot or more by the end of their first year. By this point in the animal's development, it is highly territorial and very aggressive. It requires a large aquarium of 130 gallons or more, and there are few tank mates that can live alongside it. Dovii fish are mature adults by the time they reach a foot in length, but they will continue to grow even beyond this length. Its specific rate of growth will depend on water conditions, diet and the fish's individual genetics.

    Twelve to Twenty-Eight Inches

    • After a dovii has reached a foot in length, it will continue to grow gradually. An adult dovii may ultimately reach a length of nearly 2 1/2 feet, and, by this point, its minimum tank size will increase substantially. If your dovii is nearing 2 feet in length, you should purchase an aquarium that is at least 8 feet wide and 10 feet long. This tank size will give the fish sufficient space to roam, and will help to keep reasonably balanced water parameters with few rapid fluctuations.