Wolf fish

Common name(s) Wolf fish, Tiger fish, Wolf tetra, Tiger tetra, Mud characin, Trahira, 'Piranha Eater' Picture of Wolf Fish
This photo is courtesy of Esteban Falcato
from Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Picture of Wolf Fish, close up
Close-up of adult
Lower photo © Sean Evans

Scientific name Hoplias malabaricus

Synonyms

Size Up to 20" (50cm), usually a bit less in aquaria.

Origin Central and South America

Tank setup Use a tank with a fairly large footprint - height is not as important. For an adult, a base size of no less than 3ft (90cm) by 20" (50cm) would be recommended. This species is not overly active, so very large tanks are unnecessary. A few robust (or artificial) plants and pieces of bogwood can be used for decor.

Compatibility Highly predatory, keep alone or with larger fish. Can be very aggressive.

Temperature 21-25^oC (70-77^oF), though not critical as this fish will tolerate a wide temperature range.

Water chemistry Not critical: pH 6.0-8.0, fairly soft to medium hard.

Feeding Carnivore: live and dead meaty foods, such as baitfish and mussel.

Sexing Males are slimmer and have a less curved ventral profile.

Breeding Has been bred in captivity on rare occasions - difficult due to aggression.

Comments Make sure the tank has a strong tight-fitting cover, as this powerful fish may jump. In the wild, these fish may hibernate in the mud over winter, and can move over land if necessary, making use of an additional breathing organ.
This is the most commonly seen of the Hoplias species. There are currently 8 other species, but they are much less likely to be encountered in the aquatic trade.

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This website was last updated on 18th January 2008

Common name(s)	Wolf fish, Tiger fish, Wolf tetra, Tiger tetra, Mud characin, Trahira, 'Piranha Eater'	This photo is courtesy of Esteban Falcato from Buenos Aires, Argentina. Close-up of adult Lower photo © Sean Evans
Scientific name	Hoplias malabaricus
Synonyms
Size	Up to 20" (50cm), usually a bit less in aquaria.
Origin	Central and South America
Tank setup	Use a tank with a fairly large footprint - height is not as important. For an adult, a base size of no less than 3ft (90cm) by 20" (50cm) would be recommended. This species is not overly active, so very large tanks are unnecessary. A few robust (or artificial) plants and pieces of bogwood can be used for decor.
Compatibility	Highly predatory, keep alone or with larger fish. Can be very aggressive.
Temperature	21-25^oC (70-77^oF), though not critical as this fish will tolerate a wide temperature range.
Water chemistry	Not critical: pH 6.0-8.0, fairly soft to medium hard.
Feeding	Carnivore: live and dead meaty foods, such as baitfish and mussel.
Sexing	Males are slimmer and have a less curved ventral profile.
Breeding	Has been bred in captivity on rare occasions - difficult due to aggression.
Comments	Make sure the tank has a strong tight-fitting cover, as this powerful fish may jump. In the wild, these fish may hibernate in the mud over winter, and can move over land if necessary, making use of an additional breathing organ. This is the most commonly seen of the Hoplias species. There are currently 8 other species, but they are much less likely to be encountered in the aquatic trade.