Hoplias Malabaricus activeness

[TakkerDada]

I’ve got an 8” mala in a 75g. He was active for a first few days when I added him to the tank. But now he’s just at the bottom most of the time. Even while feeding he has become less active now (though he eats a lot but with no enthusiasm) I know wolf fish aren’t much active during the day but there are videos out there that prove that wrong. I was thinking of adding a bunch of cardinal tetras or something similar in the tank for him to get active. Something that doesn’t grow over 2”. Any tips and suggestions will be helpful. And yes the lights are dimmed as much as possible. Also, attaching a few pics. TIA

 

[tlindsey]

I was thinking of adding a bunch of cardinal tetras or something similar in the tank for him to get active.

I suggest Neon's because the Wolfish may pick them off.

 

[TakkerDada]

I suggest Neon's because the Wolfish may pick them off.

Alright will add neons with him. Also any chance you can identify his sex? I forgot to mention earlier that he gets active during the night so there’s no disease or whatsoever

 

[tlindsey]

Alright will add neons with him. Also any chance you can identify his sex? I forgot to mention earlier that he gets active during the night so there’s no disease or whatsoever

Tbh I don't know how to sex them kno4te .
https://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/threads/how-to-sex-hoplias-malabaricus.604849/

 

[kno4te]

Tbh I don't know how to sex them kno4te .
https://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/threads/how-to-sex-hoplias-malabaricus.604849/

Hard to tell from pics.

 

[bathawk]

I had a 13 inch mala as it got bigger it became less active only came out to feed during the afternoon but once the lights were out it would come out and swim around I sold it due that I have a gold wolf fsh now they are way more active and personable like a cichlid.