Barracuda

© Johan Boshoff

Name

Barracuda (Sphyraenidae).

Alias

None

Size

Barracudas can measure up to 1.8 m.

Barracuda Identification

Barracudas have long, elongated bodies that are slightly flat on either side. They have sharp, pointy heads, large mouths, and their dorsal fins are widely separated.

Their lower jaw extends past the upper jaw, and their teeth are long and sharp. Barracudas are normally a greyish-brown in colour on the top of their bodies and silver at the bottom, and they may have large spots and coloured stripes.

Barracuda General

Barracudas belong to the sphyraenidae family which comprises of one genus and 18 species. These opportunistic predators can be found 100 m deep in the ocean, hunting at bursts of speed of 45 km/h. Adults live solitarily, and juveniles stay in groups. This fish is a pelagic spawner and a prized sport fish.

Barracuda Feeding

Barracudas feed on other fish but are also scavengers.

Distribution

They can be found in temperate and tropical oceans across the world.

Common Species

Great barracuda - Sphyraena barracuda Sawtooth barracuda - Sphyraena putnamiae Yellowtail barracuda - Sphyraena flavicuada© Johan Boshoff

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