Hujeta Barracuda 2"-2.5" (Ctenolucius Hujeta)

Common Name: Hujeta Barracuda, Hujeta Pike, Rocket Pike, Hujeta Gars, Pike Characins, Spotted Cachorros

Scientific Name: Ctenolucius hujeta   

Family: Ctenoluciidae    

Order: Characins

Maximum Size: 25 cm / 10 inches  

Environment: Freshwater    

Origin: Amazon Basin  

Temperament: Aggressive

Company: Hujeta barracuda althought a predator, is a rather peaceful fish that works well alongside tankmates of similar size and personality. They should only be kept with other peaceful species that are too large to swallow.

Water parameters: Temperature 22-26°C / 72-79°F; pH 6.5 – 8.0  

Aquarium Setup: Hujeta baracuda requires a medium to large aquarium tank, 55 gallon or higher. The aquarium should be densely planted in the back and along the sides but still provide plenty of open space in the center of the aquarium for the fish to swim on. They are excellent jumpers and a well covered aquarium is a necessity. They seldom grow to their full length in aquariums. Hujeta gars are easy to keep provided a few basics are taken into consideration. Water quality should be good, and they appreciate a reasonably strong water current. They like to hide underneath floating plants and will be less nervous and likely to jump if kept in tanks with plenty of shade. Hujeta gars are gregarious fish that need to be kept in groups of two or more specimens.

Feeding: Ctenolucius hujeta (Freshwater Barracuda) Accepts live food of suitable size. Some specimens can be thought to eat dead food but most Ctenolucius hujeta (Freshwater Barracuda) will only taste it and spit it back out.  

Breeding: Ctenolucius hujeta (Freshwater Barracuda) breeding is hard but possible. Keep one male with two females in a large aquarium. Condition them well before trying to get them to spawn. An increase in the temperature seems to help trigger spawning. The temperature might have to be raised a little above their normal temperature span (22-26°C / 72-79°F) This species is very productive and one spawning can result in more then 1000 small Ctenolucius hujeta (Hujueta Barracuda).