Angelfish vs Great Barracuda
Pterophyllum scalare compared with Sphyraena barracuda
Taxonomy & Classification
| Attribute | Angelfish | Great Barracuda |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Pterophyllum scalare | Sphyraena barracuda |
| Order | Cichliformes | Perciformes |
| Family | Cichlidae | Sphyraenidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Physical Traits
| Attribute | Angelfish | Great Barracuda |
|---|---|---|
| Max Length | 15.0 cm | 200.0 cm |
| Max Weight | 0.03 kg | 50.0 kg |
| Color | Silver to pale gold body with four bold black vertical bars including one through the eye; tall triangular dorsal and ventral fins are translucent silver; domesticated forms include gold, black, and marbled variants. | Steel-gray to dark gunmetal-blue back with a pale silvery-white belly; scattered irregular dark blotches on the lower flanks; tail fin is grayish with whitish tips on both lobes. |
Habitat & Environment
| Attribute | Angelfish | Great Barracuda |
|---|---|---|
| Water Type | Freshwater | Saltwater |
| Depth Range | — | 0-100m |
| Geographic Range | Native to the Amazon River basin and associated river systems in Peru, Colombia, and Brazil. Inhabits densely vegetated floodplain swamps, flooded igapó forests, and slow … | Circumtropical in shallow coastal waters of the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific oceans. Frequents coral reefs, seagrass beds, and estuaries from Florida and the Caribbean to … |
| Habitat | Slow-moving rivers and flooded forests of the Amazon basin, particularly white-water and clear-water rivers. Warm water (24-30°C); inhabits areas with submerged vegetation and driftwood. | Pelagic, coral reefs, estuaries |
Aquarium Suitability
| Attribute | Angelfish | Great Barracuda |
|---|---|---|
| Min Tank Size | 190 L | — |
| Temperature | 24-28 | — |
| pH Range | 6.0-7.5 | — |
| Care Level | Moderate | — |
| Temperament | Semi-Aggressive | — |
Fishing Information
| Attribute | Angelfish | Great Barracuda |
|---|---|---|
| Game Fish | No | Yes |
| Fight Rating | — | 7/10 |
| World Record | — | — |
| Mercury Level | — | — |
Cuisine & Edibility
Angelfish
Not consumed — a graceful ornamental cichlid valued for its triangular body shape and striking vertical banding; widely kept in freshwater community tanks.
Great Barracuda
Firm, lean white flesh with a mild flavor when small; larger individuals risk ciguatera fish poisoning and are generally avoided. Smaller fish eaten grilled or fried in the Caribbean.
Species Overview
Angelfish
The freshwater angelfish is a majestic cichlid with a laterally compressed body and long, flowing dorsal and anal fins. Native to the Amazon basin, it has been selectively bred into numerous color varieties including marble, koi, and platinum.
Great Barracuda
The great barracuda is a fearsome-looking predator found in tropical and subtropical oceans. With its torpedo-shaped body, pronounced underbite, and fang-like teeth, it can strike prey at speeds exceeding 58 km/h.