Gar characin

Ctenolucius hujeta

Long jaws, a silver body and rear-set fins

A slender characiform with a dark tail-base spot, despite the gar-like trade name.

Natural habitat: Native to Colombia's Magdalena and Sinú basins and rivers draining into Lake Maracaibo in Venezuela.

Swallows small fish; a close-fitting lid is essential.

Appearance and identification

C. beani usually retains fine lateral stripes; adult hujeta usually lacks them, with regional exceptions.

Juveniles group more closely; adults may spread out. Four or more is best.

Keep mature water, surface shelter and an open upper swimming lane without turbulent flow.

Offer suitable fish, crustaceans and insects; non-live foods can be accepted.

Avoid swallowable fish, forceful competitors and crowding at the surface.

Marginal or floating vegetation provides shelter while leaving swimming space.

Sources