[Ebook] 500 freshwater aquarium fish – Characoids – Wolf Fish (Hoplias malabaricus)

The Wolf Fish is one of the best known of all predatory characoids (other than the piranhas), although it is not seen with any great frequency. Like Hoplerythrinus unitaeniatus (the Golden Trahira), this species is widely distributed. One other species, Hoplias microlepis, is very occasionally available: it is somewhat smaller and comes from southern Ecuador, Panama, and Costa Rica.

Other common name

• South American Tiger Fish

Family

• Erythrinidae

Distribution

• Widespread in Central America and northern South America.

Size

• Up to 20in (50cm).

Behavior

• Solitary predator; can be kept with larger fish.

Diet

• Livefoods, including fish—a factor that needs to be considered prior to obtaining a specimen. May be weaned onto dead/ frozen foods and some chunky commercial diets.

Aquarium

• Large, well covered, well filtered tank. Plenty of hiding places and robust plants are recommended. Water chemistry not critical. Temperature range: 72-81 F (22-27 C).

Breeding

• Has been achieved in aquaria, but details not currently available.