The Freshwater Barracuda, or Hujeta, is an elongated gar-like characin that lives throughout the Amazon and its tributaries.

The body is very elongated and spindly, and the dorsal and anal fins are set very far back, nearly to the caudal peduncle. All fins are rounded. The mouth forms a beak-like snout full of tiny conical/villiform teeth. The mouth itself extends to just before the eye. Large nostril flaps are seen near the tip of the snout. In some specimens the tip of the snout has a small bulb on the upper jaw.

The coloring of this fish is white-silver which can slightly vary in darkness according to environment and mood. There is a black ocellatus mark on the caudal peduncle.

Tank Setup

In order to keep it, you will need a tank of larger size, not much less than 90 gallons. Even though they grow to 28" in the wild, if they are kept in small tanks they may only reach 10" in length.

For tankmates the best fish are ones that are peaceful and cannot be swallowed by the Hujeta itself. Other large predatory characins such as cachorros can also be kept with hujetas successfully and provide a more enlightening look. This fish is a top swimmer and therefore the tank must be well covered.

Feeding

This fish is a predator and coils itself into a characteristic "S" shaped position then springs forward to catch its prey in a powerful lunge. The upper jaw moves up and down just as the lower jaw does. Once prey is secured in the fish's mouth, it juggles it into position (headfirst) and swallows it. In the wild these fish often hunt in small packs near the surface and devour many other shoaling fish. Indeed, they are best described as gar- like in most respects.

Provide dense vegetation and live food in the form of fish, frogs, worms, and other soft-bodied organisms. Make sure the food is of appropriate dimension, because tall, flat bodied prey cannot be swallowed, and therefore not eaten. Dead food is usually grabbed but always seems to be spit out once the fish realizes its dead.

Water Chemistry

The water should have a neutral pH with a temperature between 76 and 84 degrees F. Allow the water to age before introducing it, and keep it well aerated and clean.

Breeding

Breeding can be done with pairs, but it is best to have two males for every female in a large tank. The temperature should be just over 80 degrees F. Over 1000 fry will hatch in just under a day.