Fin's Fish Guide
Smallscale freshwater barracuda
The Smallscale freshwater barracuda (Acestrorhynchus microlepis) is a freshwater fish of the family Acestrorhynchidae that grows up to 37 cm.
Fresh water of northern South America, in the Amazon and Orinoco basins, in rivers, lakes and floodplains.
Description
The smallscale freshwater barracuda is a slender predator of the family Acestrorhynchidae reaching about 37 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 dark spot on the tail base. Its build makes it resemble a small freshwater barracuda. The species comes from the Amazon and Orinoco basins 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 Smallscale freshwater barracuda?
The Smallscale freshwater barracuda has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Slender, silver predator with a pointed head, a mouth full of sharp teeth, an adipose fin and a dark blotch on the caudal peduncle.
Where does the Smallscale freshwater barracuda live?
The Smallscale freshwater barracuda lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Fresh water of northern South America, in the Amazon and Orinoco basins, in rivers, lakes and floodplains.
How big does the Smallscale freshwater barracuda get?
The Smallscale freshwater barracuda grows to a maximum of about 37 cm.
Is the Smallscale freshwater barracuda dangerous to humans?
No, the Smallscale freshwater barracuda is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Smallscale freshwater barracuda edible?
The Smallscale freshwater barracuda is rarely eaten.
More photos
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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 Smallscale freshwater barracuda?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Smallscale freshwater barracuda is one of 12,519 species in the app.