Care Level: Moderate

Temperament: Semi-Aggressive

Live Plant Safe: Yes

General Description: The Silver Barracuda, also known as the Hujeta Gar or Silver Gar, are found in rivers of Colombia and Venezuela. They are not a true gar or barracuda, and are rather closely related to tetras and other characins. While much of its ecology is not well understood, the Silver barracuda is a surface-dwelling species where it waits for small fish to swim by. Because of this, tank mates need to be chosen carefully. Aside from this, Silver barracuda are relatively non-aggressive and are too often introduced into aggressive aquariums, but they will not thrive in this kind of environment long term. They can be kept in small groups of 5 or more individuals, though all individuals should be introduced at the same time for the best chance of success. Juvenile fishes will shoal more tightly than adults. An adult Silver barracuda can reach a size of approximately 10″.

Diet Requirements: Silver barracuda are piscivores in nature but they do not require live fish in the aquarium to thrive long term — in fact, most live fish are of little nutritional value. However, some recently imported individuals may need to be offered live food as a precursor to recognizing dead foods or frozen foods as being edible. Great care should be taken during this period of providing live fish because this can increase the risk of introducing disease into the aquarium. Once weaned off of live foods, a diet made up of various high quality proteins are ideal, mainly frozen chunks of shrimp, mussel, silverside fish, prawn, and other white fish. Options will vary depending on the size of your specimen. Variety is the spice of life in order to maintain color, immune function and longevity of your fish.

Care Requirements: A minimum 75 gallon aquarium is ideal for a single, or a few small, Silver barracuda, but the aquarium will need to be upgraded as they grow. A tight fitting lid is also needed. Silver barracuda should not be put into a biologically immature aquarium. Biweekly water changes are encouraged to keep water parameters pristine (Nitrates < 20 ppm), as they are intolerable of deteriorating water parameters. Equipping the aquarium with a canister filter, or a sump system, is also suggested to maintain a healthier environment for this species and keep it well oxygenated. Water flow need not be too rigorous. Silver barracuda would appreciate an aquascape that includes taller pieces of driftood and live plants that give them some cover and hiding spots. Given the predatory nature of Silver barracuda, small fish species should be avoid. Other relatively non-aggressive South American fishes, and ones that exploit other areas of the aquarium, are great options including Geophagus, Silver Dollars, Severums or Festivums. Recommended water conditions, 76-82° F, KH 2-16, pH 5.0-7.2.

Purchase Size: Small: 2-1/2” to 3”, Large: 4-1/2” to 6”

Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.