Dive In Join Reef

Red-tail barracuda

Acestrorhynchus falcatus
372 views Last updated: November 17, 2025

Overview


A long, slender, predatory fish with a silvery body and a prominent black spot at the base of its caudal (tail) fin, which is typically reddish. It has a pointed snout and large, sharp teeth.

Origin: South America

Family: Acestrorhynchidae

Physical Characteristics


Maximum Size: 30.00 cm
Temperament: Aggressive
Care Level: Difficult
Diet Type: Carnivore

Habitat Requirements


Water Type: Freshwater
Temperature Range: 24.0°C - 28.0°C
pH Range: 6.5 - 7.2
Water Hardness: Not specified
Minimum Tank Size: 450 liters

Care and Feeding


Diet Information:

A diet of live and frozen foods such as fish, shrimp, and other crustaceans. Can be weaned onto prepared foods, but this may take time.

Care Level: Difficult

Breeding


Breeding Difficulty: Very Difficult

There are no documented cases of this species breeding in a home aquarium. Most specimens in the aquarium trade are wild-caught.

Compatibility


Aggressive

Best kept in a species-only tank or with other large, aggressive, fast-moving fish that cannot be eaten. They can be territorial with their own kind, but keeping them in groups of 4 or more may help spread aggression.