| Common name | Freshwater barracuda |
Photo taken at Wharf Aquatics
© Sean Evans |
| Scientific name | Acestrorhynchus falcirostris |
| Synonyms | |
| Size | Can attain 16" (40cm), but likely to remain smaller than this in aquaria. |
| Origin | S. America: Amazon and Orinoco River basins |
| Tank setup | Large tank with plenty of open swimming space and some planted cover. |
| Compatibility | Predatory |
| Temperature | 24-28oC (75-82oF) |
| Water chemistry | Around neutral pH, soft to slightly hard water. |
| Feeding | Carnivorous: feed fish, worms etc. May be difficult to train this species to accept 'dead' meaty foods. |
| Sexing | Females thought to be heavier-bodied. |
| Breeding | Rare in aquaria. A temperature of around 27oC (80oF) and two males per female is recommended.
A large number of eggs are laid which hatch in about a day. |
| Comments | A similar species, Acestrorhynchus falcatus is often imported. |