Species profile
Freshwater Barracuda
Ctenolucius hujeta
Semi aggressive
Hard care
500 L minimum aquarium
20–30 cm adult size
Top
Minimum group: 4
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
A long, wide surface footprint and tight cover are non-negotiable. This is not a fish for a standard 400 L community simply because the litre number sounds large.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
22–26 °C
pH
5.5–7.5
GH
2–15 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Moderate
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Minimum group: 4
Tank zone
Top
Territory level
Low–moderate
Predation risk
Small fish
Bioload factor
3.5
Fast surface predator best kept in a small group in a very long covered aquarium. Small fish are prey and sudden dashes make cramped tanks hazardous.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
No
Jump risk
Yes
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
8–12 years
Diet type
Carnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
500 L
Minimum footprint
180 × 60 cm
Accepted scientific name
Ctenolucius hujeta
Alternative names
Freshwater Barracuda, Hujeta Gar, Rocket Gar
Native range
Freshwater drainages of northern South America, including Colombia and Venezuela.
Natural habitat
Rivers, streams and floodplain waters with open surface zones, marginal vegetation and moderate current.
Diet & feeding
Obligate predator of fish and insects in nature. Train onto dead/frozen foods such as prawns, mussel, worms and insects; avoid routine feeder fish.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Sexual differences are subtle; mature females become deeper-bodied, while males remain slimmer.
Breeding
Egg-scattering species; captive breeding is uncommon and requires a large, well-conditioned group and protected eggs.