Calling out wolf fish keepers for advice.

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freak78

Potamotrygon
MFK Member
Jan 25, 2013
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Northwest, Indiana
I'm new to keeping this fish. I've researched this fish online and have read what I can about it but there's nothing like hearing from people who keep them or have kept them. Just looking for advice, suggestions while keeping this species. Any info/suggestions would be appreciated. Hoplias malabaricus is the species I have it's currently 5 to 6 inches and I have it growing out in my 55g. Will get moved to bigger tank when needed. Currently feeding rosie's and pellets, the rosie's are quarantined for two weeks before being fed to it. I'm slowly switching over to frozen food such as silver sides and krill.
 
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Easy to care for. Not picky with food and easily should be transitioned to pellets, frozen, etc. Can reach 20 inches in the home aquarium. Will grow and 1inch per month till 12 inches then slow down. Will need atleast 75g or bigger for an adult. Tankmates will need to be bigger than it as not to get picked on or killed/eaten. Wolves temperment can rarely be too aggressive and not allow a tankmate. Normal tank maintenance and parameters are needed. No specific requirements. Will need atleast 50% wc per week and more depending on feeding and size of fish/tankmates. No current except for the larger hoplias sp.

Basically easy to care for. Will be pretty active when eating otherwise will be on the floor or in decor like a dead log. Feeding couple of times per week will keep it more active. Keep your kids tight as they can jump out and watch ur fingers.
 
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I have a 125 currently on the floor just has to be set up and cycled. Didn't want to do it yet until it got bigger. I'm doing 50 to 60% water changes every 4 to 5 days.
 
It'll be happy in a 125 gallon. It should be fine to add once the tank is cycled. That's a good regiment of wc's. Keep an eye on ur water levels. As it gets bigger and fed daily. Those numbers may increase and then need to up ur water changes.
 
I would like to add for the long term, 2' width would be better. And for tankmates, depending on the wolf and shape of tankmate, they don't need to be bigger or as big as the wolf but of course that may be the safer route. You may get lucky and get a puppy dog like one but most are lazy unless feeding as stated above.
 
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They will hit the 12 inch mark pretty fast given proper care.

My Mala has almost caught up in size with the Brasi though not as fat. LOL!
 
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I can get 125 to 150 gallon Tanks cheap around here and their plentiful. Once them hit 180 or bigger they are hard to come by.
 
I can get 125 to 150 gallon Tanks cheap around here and their plentiful. Once them hit 180 or bigger they are hard to come by.
Oh ok, well, a 120 4x2x2 is good for life, if the 150 has 2' width I say that'd be the better option
 
All I can say is I'm glad I have a quarantine set up. The last batch of feeders I got and put in quarantine are infected with Ick. Won't be feeding these for awhile.
 
Wolves are very easy to get to eat shrimp or even pellets. Much less of a headache.
 
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