Description
Hoplias Wolf Fish – Powerful, Solitary Predator for Serious Aquarists
(Hoplias malabaricus)
The Hoplias Wolf Fish is a highly sought-after freshwater predator known for its stocky build, strong jaws, and intense hunting behavior. Native to Central and South America, this ambush predator is best suited for experienced fishkeepers with the space, filtration, and knowledge required to house such a powerful species. Its appearance varies with locality, often featuring earthy tones, mottled patterning, and glowing red or gold eyes.
Key Features:
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Thick-bodied, robust fish with massive head and jaw structure
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Powerful ambush predator with lightning-fast strikes
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Extremely aggressive – best kept alone
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Can breathe atmospheric air and tolerate low-oxygen environments
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High feeding response and impressive presence
Care Information:
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Scientific Name: Hoplias malabaricus
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Adult Size: 45–60 cm (18–24 inches)
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Temperature: 24–28°C
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pH Range: 6.0–7.5
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Tank Size: Minimum 400 litres for a single adult
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Diet: Strictly carnivorous – prefers live or frozen fish, prawns, earthworms, and meaty prepared foods
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Compatibility: Not community safe – should be housed alone or with extremely robust tankmates (with caution)
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Tank Setup: Dim lighting, hiding areas, fine sand or bare-bottom setup; secure lid essential
Why Choose a Hoplias Wolf Fish?
The Hoplias Wolf Fish is not for the faint-hearted. It offers raw power, fascinating predator behavior, and a commanding presence rarely matched in the hobby. For dedicated enthusiasts of monster fish and oddballs, it’s an unforgettable species that brings a touch of the wild into your aquarium.
Click & Collect
Livestock will only be bagged once you arrive, or if you contact us in advance to request it ready beforehand.
Local Delivery
Order anything from our in-store range and have it delivered right to you.
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Minimum spend: £50
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Delivery up to 10 miles: £10
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Delivery up to 25 miles: £20
Distances are measured “as the crow flies”, not by road.
Once your order is placed, we’ll be in touch to arrange a suitable delivery date and time.
Please note, delivery may take a little longer as we often group orders together to build an efficient delivery run.
Important: If you’re ordering a large aquarium, please ensure someone is available to help unload the van on arrival.
Dry Goods Delivery
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DPD Next Day: 1 working day (order before 12 noon)
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DX Next Day (Heavy Items & Small Aquariums): 1 working day (order before 12 noon)
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Express Pallet: 1–3 working days
If you'd like to add more items to an existing order that hasn't yet been dispatched, please place a Click & Collect order and leave a note asking us to combine the orders.
Please note: We currently only dispatch parcels Wednesday to Friday.
Pre-Order
Want the full details? Check out our Terms & Conditions.
Livestock Delivery
Thursday Delivery – £24
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Dispatched Wednesday afternoon
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Delivered Thursday before 1pm
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Order by Wednesday 12 noon
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Minimum spend: £50
Friday Delivery – £24
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Dispatched Thursday afternoon
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Delivered Friday before 1pm
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Order by Thursday 12 noon
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Minimum spend: £50
Saturday Delivery – £29
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Dispatched Friday afternoon
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Delivered Saturday before 1pm
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Order by Friday 12 noon
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Minimum spend: £50
📦 Want to Add to an Existing Order?
No problem! Just place a Click & Collect order and leave a note asking us to link it with your original one (as long as it hasn’t been dispatched yet).
🛒 Dry Goods Now Included!
You can now include dry goods in your livestock delivery – perfect for topping up supplies in one go.
❄️ Please note: We can’t send frozen food with livestock – please order frozen items separately.
⚠️ Delivery Exclusions
Unfortunately, we’re unable to deliver livestock to the following postcodes:
Scotland & Isles:
AB30–AB56, DD8–DD10, DG3–DG9, DG12–DG14, FK17–FK21, KA18–KA19, KA26–KA30, PA20–PA38, PA80, PH3–PH40
Cornwall Isles: TR21–TR25
All of the following postcodes are excluded:
BT, HS, IM, IV, JE, KW
Plus Channel Islands and Shetland Islands
Payment & Security
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