Great barracuda

Facts

Scientific name:

Sphyraena barracuda

Biology:

Found predominantly at or near the surface (Ref. 6949 , 48637 ). Juvenile occurs among mangroves, estuaries and shallow sheltered inner reef areas; adult occurs in a wide range of habitats from murky inner harbors to open seas. Diurnal and solitary, but can also be found in small aggregations. Feeds on fishes, cephalopods and sometimes on shrimps (Ref. 9626 , 48637 ). Sold fresh. Utilized also dried or salted . Although this species is ciguatoxic elsewhere throughout its range, it has not been reported to be poisonous in the eastern Atlantic (Ref. 6949 , 48637 ). Rarely attacks humans, usually with one quick, fierce strike, which, although serious, is rarely fatal. The world's record on hook and line is a 5.5-ft. fish taken in the Bahamas that weighed 103 lbs. .

IUCN Red List Status:

Not Evaluated

Threat to humans:

Traumatogenic

Photos & Description

License type:

CC-BY-NC-ND

Source:

http://eol.org/data_objects/24178469

License type:

CC-BY-NC

Author:

Randall, J.E.

Source:

http://www.fishbase.org/Photos/PicturesSummary.php?StartRow=6&ID=1235&what=species&TotRec=19

License type:

CC-BY-SA

Author:

Albert Kok

Source:

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Barracuda2.JPG

License type:

CC-BY

Author:

MathKnight

Source:

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Sphyraena_barracuda#mediaviewer/File:Barracuda_laban.jpg

See my photos of this species See photos of this specie from other users

Short description:

Dorsal spines (total): 6; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9; Anal spines : 1; Anal soft rays : 10. Distinguished by the double emarginate tail fin with pale tips on each lobe, and (usually) the presence of a few scattered black blotches on the lower sides . Top of head between eyes flat or concave; mouth large .

Size / Weight / Age:

Maturity: L m 66.0 , range 58 - ? cm Max length : 200 cm TL male/unsexed; ; common length : 140 cm TL male/unsexed; ; max. published weight: 50.0 kg