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

The wolf fish is a large, aggressive South American predator for a big tank of its own. It is best kept by someone with a little experience.

Did you know

The wolf fish can gulp air and survive in poorly oxygenated pools, coping with low oxygen far better than most fish. It has even been known to move short distances over damp ground.

Caring for the wolf fish

Give a single wolf fish a long tank of at least 106 gal (400 L). Fit a heavy lid, since these fish are strong and can thrash. Keep the water at 72 to 82°F (22 to 28°C) with a pH of 5.5 to 7.5.

Keep a wolf fish on its own. It will kill and eat anything it can fit in its mouth, and it does not tolerate its own kind. Treat it with respect during maintenance, since a large wolf fish has a serious bite and will use it.

Good to know

The wolf fish, Hoplias malabaricus, is a heavily built ambush predator in the family Erythrinidae. It has 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. It is also called the trahira.

In the wild

The wolf fish ranges widely across South America, in rivers and still waters from the Guianas through the Amazon and Parana basins. It 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.

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