Wolf Fish

Wolf Fish

Offered for sale is an approximate 4” by 6” hand colored lithograph from Fishes of British Guiana edited by William Jardine and published between 1841 and 1843.  The print comes matted and mounted in acid free archival materials.

The fish Erythrinus macrodon is now recognized as Hoplias malabaricus, commonly known as the Trahira or Wolf Fish. This species belongs to the family Erythrinidae and is widely distributed across Central and South America, inhabiting various freshwater environments.
The Trahira is a formidable ambush predator, equipped with sharp teeth and a powerful bite. It thrives in diverse habitats, from fast-flowing rivers to stagnant lakes, and is known for its adaptability.

The specific artist credited with illustrating Fishes of British Guiana was Edward Angelo Goodall. In 1841, Goodall was appointed by the British government as the official artist for the Guyana (then British Guiana) Boundary Expedition under Sir Robert Schomburgk. During that expedition, he produced a wealth of watercolours and sketches documenting the region’s natural environment, including its vibrant aquatic life. These detailed images later formed a crucial part of the work edited by Sir William Jardine, helping to bring the ichthyological diversity of British Guiana to a wider audience.