The invention relates to a catalyst molded body for preparing maleic anhydride by gas-phase oxidation of a hydrocarbon having at least four carbon atoms using a catalytically active composition containing vanadium, phosphorus and oxygen. The shaped catalyst body has an essentially cylindrical body having a longitudinal axis. The cylindrical body has at least two parallel internal holes which are essentially parallel to the cylinder axis of the body and go right through the body. The catalyst molded body has a large outer surface area, a lower pressure loss and sufficient mechanical stability.