Monster fish, also known as tankbusters, may be a term that you’ve heard or if you’re new to the aquatic hobby. In fact, monster fish are a distinct category of tank inhabitants with a predatory inclination over the size of 18 inches. This list includes a wide variety of fish, some of which can be comfortably accommodated in a larger aquatic environment.

Depending on their size, this can be a minimum of 50 to 1,000 gallon to properly house them. While this particular category requires careful planning and the “right sized” aquarium, armed with proper knowledge, predatory fish can be a joy to observe and a blast keep. At Hikari®, the quality of diets is a direct result of the many activities undertaken to understand fish, their eating habits, and their dietary requirements. Our popular product Massivore Delite® is a a scientifically blended nutrient mix specifically for larger carnivorous fish who tend to avoid feeding from the top of the aquarium.

Pike Cichlids

The pike chiclid of Crenicichla Family can range in size from five to over 22” so you’ll want to check with your local fish store expert to ensure you have the right sized aquarium and know the origin of the fish too.  These aggressive fish can live up to ten years in captivity when tended to properly, and are some of the most well know monster fish in the aquatic hobby. As predatory hunters, these fish are highly territorial and need to be kept with fish that are close to or above their size to avoid problems. They are available in dwarf versions for those with smaller aquariums too.

Jaguar Cichlids

Recognizable by their barred pattern as juveniles and spotted pattern, the Jaguar Cichlid belongs to one of the largest chichlid sub-species. Commonly referred to as Guapote, these hardy omnivores have sharp teeth, a jutted jaw and have beautiful markings similar to that of a jaguar. Plan on plenty of space for them, an aquarium around 100 gallons is best as they typically grow to 16” but can get as large as 22”. Like any predator, Jaguar Cichlids are aggressive so avoid putting them with docile fish that are smaller in size.

Bichirs

Commonly found at pet stores, Bichirs are referred to as Dinosaur Eels for their prehistoric features and structure. These bottom dwelling predators eat like alligators, by tearing at and swallowing large pieces of food. The most common feeding for these monster fish are pelletized, frozen and live foods. A mixed diet is key for balancing their nutrition. Tank mates for Bichirs must be large enough to not be eaten, but also semi-aggressive to protect themselves. Some species can grow as long as 38”, so know what you are getting and how best to house it. Depending on the type, their tank size can range from 75 to 180 gallons for long term care. 

Silver Arowana

Another common pet amongst experienced hobbyists is the Silver Arowana, which can grow up to 4 feet long and are know to be highly aggressive. These predators are found mainly in South America and have large scales and a downturned mouth, eat mainly at the surface. Some varieties of Asian Arowanas sell for over $100,000 for their color and have become a symbol of extreme wealth among some elite families. At 300 gallon tank is recommended as they can grow exceptionally large, and generally housed without tank mates. As aggressive carnivores, we recommend feeding them pellets or quarantined live foods. 

South American Catfish

There are many different types of catfish but the South American Catfish is a good tank dweller for more experienced aquarists. The Tiger Shovel nose Catfish, a popular among freshwater monster fish species, can range anywhere for 18 to 25 years. They can get rather large fairly quickly, exceeding more than 4 feet in a natural environment, so plan on  plenty of space for them to show off their active nature. Due to their large size, an ideal tank for them is roughly 180 to 200 gallons for juveniles and 250 gallons for adults. For a balanced diet, we recommend a variety of frozen foods, freeze-dried worms and pellets. 

Choose your Monster Fish Responsibly 

Regardless of what type of monster fish you want, maintaining a harmonious tank should be a top priority. Always be sure to research their needs and plan accordingly as these pets require a lot of care and can be a major commitment. At Hikari®, we offer a great selection of dietary needs for a wide range of carnivorous fish to help ensure a scientifically balanced nutrient package your monster fish will love! Find out more of our series of tropical diets on our website.