Red-Tail Barracuda (Acestrorhynchus falcatus)

Fish in the family Acestrorhynchidae. Hard care. Freshwater.

Quick facts

Scientific nameAcestrorhynchus falcatus

FamilyAcestrorhynchidae

Also known asAmazon Cachorro, Spotted Cachorro, Freshwater Barracuda

Care levelHard

Reef safetyFreshwater

TemperamentAggressive

DietCarnivore

Adult size11 in

Minimum tank size75 gallons

Water parametersTemp 74-82°F, pH 6.0-7.5, GH 4-15 dGH

Appearance

Streamlined silver body with prominent canine teeth, a black caudal spot ringed in red, and forked tail; barracuda-like profile.

Difficulty and care for the Red-Tail Barracuda

Hard

Origin and habitat

South America (Amazon, Orinoco)

Keeper notes

A fang-toothed pelagic predator that aggressively hunts and swallows small fish; keep only with fast robust tankmates too large to eat. Nervous, prone to spooking and jumping, and can damage its snout on the glass. Often a fussy feeder needing live food initially.

Log Red-Tail Barracuda in your reef tank

Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Red-Tail Barracuda alongside everything else in your reef.

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