Fin's Fish Guide
Red-tailed freshwater barracuda
The Red-tailed freshwater barracuda (Acestrorhynchus falcatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Acestrorhynchidae that grows up to 30 cm.
Fresh water of northern South America (Amazon and Orinoco basins and the Guianas), in rivers, lakes and floodplains.
Description
The red-tailed freshwater barracuda is a slender predator of the family Acestrorhynchidae reaching about 30 cm. The streamlined, silvery body has a pointed head with a mouth full of sharp, needle-like teeth, an adipose fin (as in many characins) and a conspicuous black spot on the tail base with a red-coloured tail fin. Its build makes it resemble a small freshwater barracuda. The species comes from the Amazon and Orinoco basins and the Guianas of northern South America and lives in open water of rivers, lakes and floodplains. As a fast pursuit predator it feeds mainly on smaller fish. In the rainy season it spawns. For its size and behaviour it occasionally appears in the larger community aquarium.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Red-tailed freshwater barracuda?
The Red-tailed freshwater barracuda has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Slender, silver predator with a pointed head, sharp teeth, an adipose fin and a conspicuous black blotch with a red caudal fin.
Where does the Red-tailed freshwater barracuda live?
The Red-tailed freshwater barracuda lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Fresh water of northern South America (Amazon and Orinoco basins and the Guianas), in rivers, lakes and floodplains.
How big does the Red-tailed freshwater barracuda get?
The Red-tailed freshwater barracuda grows to a maximum of about 30 cm.
Is the Red-tailed freshwater barracuda dangerous to humans?
No, the Red-tailed freshwater barracuda is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Red-tailed freshwater barracuda edible?
The Red-tailed freshwater barracuda is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Acestrorhynchus
More from the family Acestrorhynchidae
Want the complete picture on the Red-tailed freshwater barracuda?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Red-tailed freshwater barracuda is one of 12,519 species in the app.