Sphyraena barracuda

(Edwards, 1771)

Vernacular names
English : Great barracuda
French : Grand barracuda

Classification
Class : Teleostei
Order : Carangaria i. s.
Family : Sphyraenidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
The largest species of its family, reaching 2 m for a weight of 50 kg. Cylindrical body, long head, huge mouth, protruding teeth. Big yellow eyes. Coloration silvery with oblique dark bands on upper half of body. Black tail fin with white tips.

Range and habitat
Indo-Pacific area from the Red Sea to Hawaii and Tuamoto Islands. Atlantic Ocean from north USA to Brazil and from Mauritania to Sao Tome Island. Lives always near the surface, from inner harbors to open sea.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species has a huge range and is often targeted by commercial fisheries and for sport. It doesn’t seem to be a threat so far.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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