An apex predator native to South and Southeast Asia, infamous for its immense size, huge mouth, and voracious predatory nature. It will consume any tank mate that fits into its capacious mouth and is known to bite aggressively when handled. This species is utterly unsuitable for standard home aquariums and requires an enormous custom pond or public aquarium setup.
Freshwater Shark (Wallago) At a Glance
Freshwater Shark (Wallago) Tank Requirements
Will Freshwater Shark (Wallago) fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Freshwater Shark (Wallago) needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Freshwater Shark (Wallago) against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Freshwater Shark (Wallago) Water Parameters
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Freshwater Shark (Wallago) Temperament & Compatibility
Freshwater Shark (Wallago) Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard / Adult
A fully grown adult requires a massive custom setup or heated pond. The minimum recommended dimensions for an adult are 300cm x 120cm x 120cm (approx 1400 gallons). It must be kept strictly alone as it will consume or attack anything else in the water.
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Adult, Show Size
Juvenile (Grow-out)
Juveniles grow extremely fast and must be continually rehoused in larger systems. Even at a small size, they have a massive appetite for live food and will quickly outgrow standard aquariums.
Differs in 4 traits from base species
Also known as: Baby, Juvenile
Freshwater Shark (Wallago) Care Guide Summary
The Freshwater Shark (Wallago), scientifically known as Wallago attu, belongs to the Catfish family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 150 cm and have a fusiform body shape with a fast growth rate. Classified as highly aggressive, this species primarily occupies the mid-level and bottom zones of the aquarium and produces a extreme level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Freshwater Shark (Wallago) requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 5500 litres and a tank length of at least 300 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 19°C and 29°C, with a pH range of 6–7.6 and a general hardness of 1–20 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Freshwater Shark (Wallago) is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. This species is available in 2 varieties: Standard / Adult and Juvenile (Grow-out). Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Freshwater Shark (Wallago) Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Freshwater Shark (Wallago), a moderate water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the mid-level and bottom zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement and sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include a sand substrate to accommodate their sifting behaviour and smooth gravel or rounded substrate to protect their sensitive barbels. Keepers should note that a tight-fitting lid is essential, as this species is a known jumper.
Freshwater Shark (Wallago) Compatibility Notes
Classified as highly aggressive, the Freshwater Shark (Wallago) is best housed alone, as they do not tolerate others of their kind in confined spaces. When choosing tankmates, any fish small enough to fit in its mouth will likely be eaten, conspecific aggression can be intense, especially in smaller tanks, and their energetic swimming style may stress more sedentary or timid species. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the mid-level and bottom zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Freshwater Shark (Wallago)
How big does Freshwater Shark (Wallago) get?
Freshwater Shark (Wallago) (Wallago attu) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 150 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a fast growth rate.
What tank size does Freshwater Shark (Wallago) need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 5500 litres and a tank length of at least 300 cm are recommended for Freshwater Shark (Wallago). This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Freshwater Shark (Wallago) need?
Freshwater Shark (Wallago) thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 19–29°C, a pH between 6 and 7.6, and a general hardness of 1–20 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Freshwater Shark (Wallago) peaceful or aggressive?
Freshwater Shark (Wallago) is classified as highly aggressive with an aggression score of 10 out of 10. Careful tankmate selection is essential to avoid conflict.
Can Freshwater Shark (Wallago) live with others of its kind?
No. Only one Freshwater Shark (Wallago) should be kept per tank. Keeping multiples in the same aquarium typically results in aggression and stress.
Does Freshwater Shark (Wallago) have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Freshwater Shark (Wallago) benefits from sand (sifters) and smooth gravel (sensitive barbels) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Does Freshwater Shark (Wallago) need a lid on the tank?
Yes. Freshwater Shark (Wallago) is a known jumper, and a tight-fitting lid or cover is essential to prevent escape. Even a small gap can be enough for a determined fish to leap out.
Plants That Suit Freshwater Shark (Wallago)
These plants pair well with Freshwater Shark (Wallago) based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
African Onion Plant
Crinum calamistratum
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Amazon Sword
Echinodorus amazonicus
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Ashy Pipewort
Eriocaulon cinereum
Balansae
Cryptocoryne crispatula
Fish Similar to Freshwater Shark (Wallago)
Wels Catfish (European Catfish)
Silurus glanis
The Wels Catfish is a massive, highly predatory freshwater fish native to Eastern Europe and parts of Asia. As one of the largest freshwater fish in the world, it is wholly unsuited for standard home aquariums and requires a heavy-duty heated indoor pond or massive custom setup. They are highly opportunistic predators that will swallow any tank mate that fits into their enormous mouths.
Australian Pearl Arowana
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A massive, highly aggressive predatory fish native to Australia and New Guinea. Known for its distinct metallic, pearl-like scales and upward-facing mouth designed for surface feeding. It is notoriously territorial and intolerant of tank mates, making it a popular 'wet pet' for solitary setups. It is an absolute tank buster requiring a massive aquarium with a heavy, tightly secured lid to prevent fatal jumping.
Largemouth Bass
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Freshwater Angelfish
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Motoro Stingray
Potamotrygon motoro
A spectacular but highly demanding freshwater stingray native to South America, instantly recognizable by its orange-spot 'peacock' pattern. They are massive, heavy-polluting predators that require huge aquariums with pristine water quality. A soft sand substrate is absolutely mandatory to prevent severe bacterial infections on their delicate underbellies. Note: They possess a venomous tail stinger.
Asian Arowana
Scleropages formosus
A highly prized, CITES-protected 'monster fish' known as the Dragon Fish. They are powerful, surface-dwelling predators that require massive aquariums and pristine water quality. Notorious jumpers, they require heavy, secure lids. Because of intense territoriality, they must be kept strictly solitary or in large 'comm' (community) groups of 5+ to disperse aggression.