TankBud

Wolf fish

Hoplias malabaricus

Also known as Trahira, Tiger wolf fish, Common wolf fish, Guabina

FreshwaterFish

Wolf fish (Hoplias malabaricus)
J. F. Hennig · Public domain

Care at a glance

Temperature
72–82°F
22–28°C
pH
5.5–7.5
Adult size
19.7 in
50 cm
Minimum tank
106 gal
400 L
Temperament
Aggressive
Social behavior
Solitary
Own kind
One per tank
Tankmates
With caution
Swim level
Bottom
Difficulty
Medium
Breeding
No record
Rarity
Rare
Family
Erythrinidae
Origin
Ranges widely across South America in rivers and still waters from the Guianas through the Amazon and Parana basins.

Overview

A wolf fish must be kept on its own, because it will kill and eat anything it can fit in its mouth and does not tolerate its own kind. House a single fish in a long tank of at least 400 liters with a heavy lid, since they are strong and can thrash. Treat it with respect during maintenance, as a large trahira has a serious bite and will use it.

In the wild

Lives on the bottom of slow rivers, ponds, and swamps, often in still or stagnant water with plenty of cover. It lies motionless among leaf litter and wood, waiting to ambush fish and other prey. It copes with low oxygen far better than most fish.

Good to know

Hoplias malabaricus is a heavily built ambush predator with a broad, bony head and rows of sharp teeth. What passes for this one species is actually a complex of several very similar fish across its huge range. Adults commonly reach 30 to 50 cm.

Did you know

This fish can gulp air and survive in poorly oxygenated pools, and it has even been known to move short distances over damp ground.

Common questions

What size tank does a Wolf fish need?

A Wolf fish needs at least 106 gal (400 L). It spends most of its time in the bottom.

What temperature and pH does a Wolf fish need?

A Wolf fish is comfortable at 72–82°F (22–28°C) with a pH of 5.5–7.5.

How big does a Wolf fish get?

An adult Wolf fish reaches about 19.7 in (50 cm).

Related species