Ctenolucius hujeta

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Freshwater Barracuda
Freshwater Barracuda
Species	Ctenolucius hujeta
Difficulty	Challenging
Min. Tank Size	340.687 liters 340,687.06 mL 90 US Gallons (340.7L)
Size	9.055 in 20-23 cm (7.9-9.1")
pH	6.5 - 7.5
Temp.	295.15 K 71.6 °F 531.27 °R 299.15 K 78.8 °F 538.47 °R22 -26 °C (71.6-78.8°F)
Water Hardness	6-16
Stocking Ratio	1:1 M:F
Availability	Uncommon
Diet	Carnivore Pellet Foods Flake Foods Live Foods
Life Span	5-8 years

[edit] Alternative names

Freshwater Barracuda, Gar Characin, Slant Nosed Gar, South American Freshwater Needlefish, Silver Gar, Hujeta Pike Characin

[edit] Other Scientific Names

Ctenolucius hujeta hujeta, Luciocharax insculptus, Xiphostoma hujeta

[edit] Sexing

Mature females are larger than males and will have a fuller belly. Males have a larger anal fin. It is rare for these fish to breed in captivity.

[edit] Tank compatibility

This fish is best kept in pairs or in groups. It cannot be housed with smaller fish as they will be eaten. Larger fish that mainly occupy the lower levels of the tank often do well including large Plecos, large American Cichlids etc.

[edit] Diet

A carnivorous fish that may prove difficult to wean onto dead food. Does well on meaty foods such as earthworms and crickets.

[edit] Feeding regime

Feed once or twice a day.

[edit] Environment Specifics

This fish must have a long tank, at least 5ft, with a secure lid as they may jump. Floating plants do well to hide them from bright lighting, other planting around the tank is appreciated. They need some large open swimming spaces as well as places to hide in bogwood. They prefer a medium to strong current in the tank. They are sensitive to water parameters as well as the addition of new water during water changes.

[edit] Behaviour

A top-dwelling predator. Can be skittish and timid, avoid sudden movements near the tank if you are to keep this fish.

[edit] Identification

An elongated slender fish with a long snout and mouth, the upper jaw being slightly longer than the lower. The body is iridescent silver in colour while the fins are translucent. The caudal fin is forked with a black spot on the caudal peduncle.

[edit] Pictures

[edit] External links

• Fishbase
• Aquaria Central
• The Tropical Tank
• Mongabay