I heard that there is a species of fw barracuda that stayed under 12 inches, i thought it was too good to be true but i couldn't find anything when i looked around the internet. is it true or not?
fw barracuda
- Thread starter Mario1994
- Start date
Yes, there are a few species of "Freshwater Barracuda" that you can keep in aquariums. They're not actually related to marine barracudas, but look similar. They grow to about a foot long, a 125 gallon aquarium or bigger can house them for life.
They are very neat fish, very fast and cool predators to watch. They are skiddish and will literally break their noses from getting scared and running into the side of the aquarium, this is quite common if you try to keep them in a relatively small aquarium.
Acestrorhynchus falcatus, "Red Tailed Barracudas" are the most common ones you'll see. They don't usually grow larger than 10-11".
Acestrorhynchus falcirostris, "Yellow Tailed Barracudas" are similar, but more elongated and slender. They typically grow to more about 13-14".
There are also Ctenolucius hujeta or "Riocket Gars", which have a longer mouth more like a gar. They get bigger than the other barracudas, but not usually more than 16" or so in aquariums.
I think Red Tail Barracudas are generally the easiest to keep. There are several places online that carry them, but they're often out of stock. Expect to pay about $25-30+ for them. They are illegal in some states. You can find more information and pictures if you google search the common or scientific name.
They are very neat fish, very fast and cool predators to watch. They are skiddish and will literally break their noses from getting scared and running into the side of the aquarium, this is quite common if you try to keep them in a relatively small aquarium.
Acestrorhynchus falcatus, "Red Tailed Barracudas" are the most common ones you'll see. They don't usually grow larger than 10-11".
Acestrorhynchus falcirostris, "Yellow Tailed Barracudas" are similar, but more elongated and slender. They typically grow to more about 13-14".
There are also Ctenolucius hujeta or "Riocket Gars", which have a longer mouth more like a gar. They get bigger than the other barracudas, but not usually more than 16" or so in aquariums.
I think Red Tail Barracudas are generally the easiest to keep. There are several places online that carry them, but they're often out of stock. Expect to pay about $25-30+ for them. They are illegal in some states. You can find more information and pictures if you google search the common or scientific name.
You got some great advice. I hear the yellow tails get a lil bigger than that but i have never seen it
so, even if i get a red tail, it wouldn't do well in a 55 gallon aquarium? the filter pushes out 300 gph
You don't need a 125 gallon for just one 55 gallon would be the smallest size tank for one. But in a 55 you get the full thrill of these speed demons. Other then the hujeta red and yellow tailed cudas do best in groups or a pair. That's why physicsdude probably said 125g will house "them" for life. Them means a group or more. But there's also smaller sized payara that can also be called sabertooth barracuda or vampire tettra. All in all if you wana go the barracuda route then you should start saving for a tank in the 100 gallons plus range with some awesome filtration and you will be just fine with a pair of cudas. Btw I'm also a barracuda keepers and in my opinion they