Fin's Fish Guide
The Trahira (Hoplias malabaricus) is a freshwater fish of the family Erythrinidae that grows up to 65 cm.
Fresh water of Central and South America, in slow-moving water of rivers, lakes, ponds and swamps.
Description
The trahira or wolf fish is a stocky, cylindrical predator of the family Erythrinidae reaching about 65 cm. The brown, mottled body has a large head and a broad mouth full of sharp teeth. The species can gulp air with its muscular swim bladder and so survive in warm, oxygen-poor water. It comes from the fresh water of Central and South America and lives in slow water of rivers, lakes, ponds and swamps. As an ambush predator it lies still among plants and strikes fiercely at mainly other fish, supplemented with crustaceans and insects. The male guards a nest pit with eggs and young. It is a valued food and sport fish that bites fiercely when handled.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Trahira?
The Trahira has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Stocky, cylindrical predator with a large head and a broad mouth full of sharp teeth; can gulp air in oxygen-poor water.
Where does the Trahira live?
The Trahira lives in fresh water and is mostly found around algae or seagrass beds. Fresh water of Central and South America, in slow-moving water of rivers, lakes, ponds and swamps.
How big does the Trahira get?
The Trahira grows to a maximum of about 65 cm.
Is the Trahira dangerous to humans?
The Trahira can bite, but is otherwise not dangerous to humans. A predatory fish with sharp teeth that can bite fiercely when handled; keep fingers away from the mouth and unhook with tools.
Is the Trahira edible?
Yes, the Trahira is a highly prized food fish.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Hoplias
More from the family Erythrinidae
Want the complete picture on the Trahira?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Trahira is one of 12,519 species in the app.