Trahira (Hoplias malabaricus)

Scientific name: Hoplias malabaricus Bloch, 1794

The Trahira (Hoplias malabaricus) is a freshwater fish of the family Erythrinidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 20–26°C (68–79°F). Native range: Central and South America, Costa Rica to Argentina in most rivers basins.

Trahira care at a glance

Temperature: 20–26°C (68–79°F)

Biology

Occurs in diverse habitats from free flowing clear water streams, well up into the valleys, to slow turbid waters, water courses, irrigation and drainage ditches, and ponds on the plains. Rests in vegetation during the day and is active at night. Adults feed on fish; juveniles feed on crustacean and insect larvae, shrimps and other small invertebrates. Spawn in pits located in shallow water at a temperature of about 26?C. Males guard the nests even after the eggs have hatched. Reaches more than 3 kg. Live fish are difficult to handle and potentially dangerous because of their sharp teeth, strong jaws, and slippery bodies.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Hoplias malabaricus
Family: Erythrinidae (Trahiras)
Order: Characiformes (Characins)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 55.2
Environment: Freshwater;; pH range: 6.0 - 8.0; dH range: 4 - 25 benthopelagic; potamodromous
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: Central and South America: Costa Rica to Argentina in most rivers basins.
Conservation status (IUCN): Not Evaluated
Threat to humans: Other
Uses: Fisheries: commercial; aquaculture: commercial; aquarium: public aquariums
Resilience: Low, minimum population doubling time 4.5 - 14 years (K=0.08)