Barracuda

[wcolwell88]

I've read a lot about how hard it is to keep sharks. I originally wanted to get a big tank and a shark. Last time I was at the not so local fish store, I noticed that they sell Barracudas. They are about 4" long for $60. Does anyone here know the requirements for these. I assume they are probably similar to sharks because they are also large predatory fish. I probably won't buy one because I want a peaceful tank, but I wanted to know yalls opinion on them.

 

[Grins]

If you want peaceful fish you're looking in the wrong direction if being drawn to sharks and barracudas. ;-)

 

[Andrew_Murphy]

How large is your tank?

 

[Amphiprion]

The only species commonly available is Sphyraena barracuda--the great barracuda, which tops out at a bit over 6.5'. Not being rude, but you nor your LFS have any prayer of keeping this fish for any amount of time. They are extremely active hunters (fascinating to watch, in fact), but a waste to buy and import (shame on the LFS). Most public aquaria even shy away from them. Please do the right thing and NOT buy any of them to discourage the ill-informed LFS from getting them again.

 

[Mgamer20o0]

even a better to catch...... very active fish i dont think you have the tank space needed for them.

 

[Ursula]

Having seen and been followed by an over 4' barracuda in the wild, no way.

I'm still have nightmares about that guy :headshake2:

 

[Grins]

It followed you?!!!

 

[Mgamer20o0]

Having seen and been followed by an over 4' barracuda in the wild, no way.

I'm still have nightmares about that guy :headshake2:

i would have got my knife out.... they good eating.....

 

[Ursula]

It followed you?!!!

Yep.

We lived in St Croix, just moved there, and went snorkling. I told my dad and brother (I was 10 at the time) that I saw something fast, long, and silver flash by me. They laughed and told me I was being a sissy-girl.

We were in about 12 feet of water when he showed himself. He would eyeball you, then sink, eyeball you, then sink. I will never, ever, get over that *&^% fish. My dad still swears that I "walked on water" when I swam back to shore. I'm nervous about swimming in the ocean, to this day.

BTW: My dad and brother now also have respect for barracudas We found out later that the locals had even named him: "Charlie." He was a wise, enormous, very scary fish...

 

[Tikidude]

When we went snorkeling in Belize, they advised that all jewelry be removed as the Baracuda in the water would be attracted to the sparkle. We have a picture of my mother-in-law waving at the camera and you can see a BIG baracuda swimming behind her. She didn't even know it was there until the pics were developed.