Guapote (Parachromis dovii)

Scientific name: Parachromis dovii G?nther, 1864

The Guapote (Parachromis dovii) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 21–37°C (70–99°F).

Guapote care at a glance

Temperature: 21–37°C (70–99°F)

Biology

Inhabits lakes but also thrives in various lower and middle river valleys. This species is an avid cavern digger. Piscivorous, though also eats crustaceans and insects in smaller numbers. Made into fillets or eaten baked.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Parachromis dovii
Family: Cichlidae (Cichlids)
Order: Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 72.0
Environment: Freshwater;; pH range: 7.0 - ?; dH range: ? - 20 demersal; potamodromous
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: Central America: Atlantic slope, from the Aguan River (Honduras) to the Mo?n River (Costa Rica); Pacific slope from the Yeguare River (Honduras) to the Bebedero River (Costa Rica).
Conservation status (IUCN): Not Evaluated
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Fisheries: commercial; gamefish: yes
Resilience: Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (tm=1.25; Fec = 1,000-1,500)

Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Last updated 27 September 2026