Can Monster Wolf Fish (Aimara) and Red Tailed Redeye Puffer Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 11, 2026
Not Recommended

Monster Wolf Fish (Aimara) and Red Tailed Redeye Puffer are not recommended as tank mates due to piscivorous fish will prey on nano-sized tank mates.. Housing these species together is likely to result in stress, health problems, or direct harm to one or both fish.


At a Glance

Monster Wolf Fish (Aimara)

Hoplias aimara

Red Tailed Redeye Puffer

Carinotetraodon irrubesco

🐠Family Group
Monster Wolf Fish (Aimara)
Oddballs
Red Tailed Redeye Puffer
Puffers
Temperament
Monster Wolf Fish (Aimara)
Highly Aggressive (10/10)
Red Tailed Redeye Puffer
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Monster Wolf Fish (Aimara)
23–28°C
Red Tailed Redeye Puffer
24–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Monster Wolf Fish (Aimara)
6–7.5
Red Tailed Redeye Puffer
6–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Monster Wolf Fish (Aimara)
2–15
Red Tailed Redeye Puffer
4–15
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Monster Wolf Fish (Aimara)
Freshwater Only
Red Tailed Redeye Puffer
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✗ No overlap
Monster Wolf Fish (Aimara)
High
Red Tailed Redeye Puffer
Low
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 1500 L
Monster Wolf Fish (Aimara)
1500 L
Red Tailed Redeye Puffer
55 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 2 zones
Monster Wolf Fish (Aimara)
MiddleBottom
Red Tailed Redeye Puffer
MiddleBottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Monster Wolf Fish (Aimara)
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Generally AggressiveAggressive to same species/look-alikesTerritorial (Defends specific area)Jumper (Lid Required)Hyperactive / Fast Swimmer
Red Tailed Redeye Puffer
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Snail EaterShrimp EaterFin NipperTerritorial (Defends specific area)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Monster Wolf Fish (Aimara) and Red Tailed Redeye Puffer?

Compatibility is only part of the answer. Test both fish with your real tank size, current stock, and maintenance needs to see if you have enough space and a safe stocking level before you add them.

Monster Wolf Fish (Aimara)
Red Tailed Redeye Puffer
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Monster Wolf Fish (Aimara) is a highly aggressive species (10/10), while Red Tailed Redeye Puffer is moderately assertive (6/10). This notable difference means Monster Wolf Fish (Aimara) may occasionally assert dominance over Red Tailed Redeye Puffer.

Monster Wolf Fish (Aimara) and Red Tailed Redeye Puffer both frequent the Middle (Open Water) and Bottom (Substrate) region of the setup. This overlap can increase competition for space, so providing ample room and cover is important to keep both species comfortable.

There is a critical concern: the Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish) behaviour of one fish directly conflicts with the Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk) trait of the other — piscivorous fish will prey on nano-sized tank mates..

Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: Two territorial species may clash over territory, especially in smaller tanks.

Worth noting: Monster Wolf Fish (Aimara) is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 24°C and 28°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 26.0°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 6 and 7.5. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 4–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Monster Wolf Fish (Aimara) and Red Tailed Redeye Puffer together, plan for an aquarium of at least 1500 litres with a minimum length of 240 cm. This recommendation combines the stricter species minimums with a community-load allowance so the pairing has realistic long-term space and filtration headroom.

Providing a mix of open swimming space and sheltered areas with rocks, driftwood, or plants will keep both species comfortable and allow natural behaviour.

Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels), Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Plants - Densely covered, Leaf Litter/Blackwater. Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Monster Wolf Fish (Aimara) prefers High (River/Stream) flow while Red Tailed Redeye Puffer needs Low (Still Water) flow. Consider positioning filter outlets and using baffles to create zones of different current intensity within the same tank.

Why This Pairing Usually Fails in Practice

Monster Wolf Fish (Aimara) and Red Tailed Redeye Puffer are the kind of pair that can look acceptable in a shop but become a maintenance problem at home. The main risk is not a single number in the chart; it is the way incompatible behavior, water needs, or pressure on space compounds over time once both fish are established in the same tank.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Monster Wolf Fish (Aimara) and Red Tailed Redeye Puffer live together?

No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as critical behavioural conflicts — make cohabitation unsafe.

What size tank do Monster Wolf Fish (Aimara) and Red Tailed Redeye Puffer need?

A minimum of 1500 litres (tank length at least 240 cm) is recommended. This provides enough space for both species to establish their own areas and reduces the likelihood of territorial disputes.

What water temperature is best for Monster Wolf Fish (Aimara) and Red Tailed Redeye Puffer together?

Keep the aquarium between 24°C and 28°C. A target of around 26.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Monster Wolf Fish (Aimara) or Red Tailed Redeye Puffer aggressive?

Monster Wolf Fish (Aimara) is highly aggressive (10/10) and Red Tailed Redeye Puffer is moderately assertive (6/10). The gap in aggression levels means the calmer fish may experience stress from the more assertive one.

What pH do Monster Wolf Fish (Aimara) and Red Tailed Redeye Puffer need?

Both species overlap in the 6–7.5 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

Will Red Tailed Redeye Puffer nip Monster Wolf Fish (Aimara)'s fins?

Red Tailed Redeye Puffer is a known fin nipper. If Monster Wolf Fish (Aimara) has long or flowing fins, there is a real risk of fin damage. Keeping Red Tailed Redeye Puffer in a larger group can help redirect nipping behaviour toward conspecifics.

How do I manage Monster Wolf Fish (Aimara)'s territorial behaviour?

Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Monster Wolf Fish (Aimara) space to claim a territory without encroaching on the other fish's area. Adding décor that divides the tank into distinct zones works especially well.

Editorial Review

Guidarium Editorial Desk

Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.

Last reviewed
May 11, 2026
Last updated
May 11, 2026
Issues or corrections?
Contact the editorial team

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