Spotted Freshwater Barracuda (Boulengerella maculata)

Fish in the family Ctenoluciidae. Hard care. Freshwater.

Quick facts

Scientific nameBoulengerella maculata

FamilyCtenoluciidae

Also known asSpotted Pike Characin, Freshwater Barracuda, Pike Characin

Care levelHard

Reef safetyFreshwater

TemperamentAggressive

Dietcarnivore

Adult size14 in

Minimum tank size125 gallons

Water parametersTemp 75-82°F, pH 5.5-7.0, GH 2-12 dGH

Appearance

Long, slender, pike-like silver body with a pointed beak-like snout and a row of dark spots; a sit-and-wait surface ambush predator.

Difficulty and care for the Spotted Freshwater Barracuda

Hard

Origin and habitat

South America (Amazon and Orinoco basins)

Keeper notes

An obligate piscivore that will eat any fish it can swallow; not aggressive to large tankmates but lethal to small ones. Skittish and a strong jumper.

Log Spotted Freshwater Barracuda in your reef tank

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