No photo yet
Sign in to submit the first photo
Wolf Fish
Hoplias malabaricus
📍 South America
The Wolf Fish is a large, aggressive South American predator known for its powerful jaws and fearless temperament. This species requires experienced aquarists and substantial tank space due to its predatory nature and territorial behavior. Wolf Fish are impressive but demanding fish that demand respect and proper care.
Community Photos
0 photosPhotos are added when members log a tank with this species and upload a photo in their tank journal. Add your own tank to contribute.
No photos yet — add a tank with Wolf Fish to be the first!
Sign in to vote.
Care Guide
Diet
Wolf Fish are obligate carnivores requiring a diet of live or frozen fish such as feeder fish, large shrimp, and other meaty foods. Feed juveniles 2-3 times weekly and adults 1-2 times weekly with appropriately sized prey. Avoid hand-feeding due to their aggressive feeding response and powerful bite.
Behavior
Wolf Fish are highly aggressive, territorial, and solitary predators that will attack and consume smaller fish. They are ambush hunters with a powerful bite and should never be housed with other fish species. These fish are nocturnal and prefer dim lighting with plenty of hiding spots.
Breeding
Breeding Wolf Fish in captivity is extremely difficult and rarely successful in home aquariums. They are egg-scatterers that require very large tanks and specific water conditions. Professional breeders occasionally succeed, but this is not recommended for hobbyists.
Tank Mates
Common Diseases
Ichthyophthirius (Ich)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, lethargy
Raise temperature to 28-30 C (82-86 F), use aquarium salt or ich medication, perform frequent water changes
Bacterial Infection
Fin rot, open wounds, discoloration, loss of appetite
Improve water quality, use antibiotic medications, isolate if severe, maintain pristine tank conditions
Parasitic Infection
Excessive scratching, visible parasites, weight loss, lethargy
Use antiparasitic medications, perform water changes, quarantine affected fish, improve tank hygiene
Mouth Rot
Deterioration of mouth tissue, difficulty feeding, discoloration around mouth
Improve water quality, use antibiotic treatments, ensure proper nutrition, maintain optimal water parameters
Tips from the community 💡
0 tipsReal experiences, care advice, and keeper notes. Finn learns from these too.
Sign in to share your experience.
No community tips yet — be the first to share your knowledge!
Quick Facts
- diet
- Carnivore - live fish, large feeder fish, shrimp
- lifespan
- 10-15 years
- max size
- 90 cm (35 in)
- tank size
- 150 gallons minimum
- temperament
- aggressive
Water it likes
- ph
- 6.0-7.5
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <20 ppm
- hardness
- 4-8 dGH
- temperature
- 72–82°F (22–28°C)