Fin's Fish Guide
The Barracuda (Sphyraena sphyraena) is a saltwater fish of the family Sphyraenidae that grows up to 165 cm.
Mediterranean Sea and the eastern Atlantic, in surface and coastal waters.
Description
The European barracuda is a slender, fast predator of the family Sphyraenidae reaching about 1.65 metres but usually smaller. The torpedo-shaped, silvery-grey body has a blue-green back with faint dark cross-bars, two widely spaced dorsal fins and a projecting lower jaw full of sharp teeth. The species lives in the Mediterranean and the eastern Atlantic, in surface and coastal waters. Young fish form schools, older fish often hunt alone, with a lightning dash at schooling fish such as sardine, anchovy and horse mackerel. Unlike the large tropical barracudas the European barracuda is considered harmless to people. It is a valued sport and food fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Barracuda?
The Barracuda has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Slender, fast predator with a projecting lower jaw full of sharp teeth and faint dark vertical bars; two widely separated dorsal fins.
Where does the Barracuda live?
The Barracuda lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. Mediterranean Sea and the eastern Atlantic, in surface and coastal waters.
How big does the Barracuda get?
The Barracuda grows to a maximum of about 165 cm. On average the species is around 60 cm.
Is the Barracuda dangerous to humans?
No, the Barracuda is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Barracuda edible?
Yes, the Barracuda is commonly eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Barracuda and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Sphyraena
More from the family Sphyraenidae
Want the complete picture on the Barracuda?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Barracuda is one of 12,519 species in the app.