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Blackfin barracuda (Sphyraena qenie) — Sphyraenidae

Blackfin barracuda

Sphyraena qenie
Family: Sphyraenidae

The Blackfin barracuda (Sphyraena qenie) is a saltwater fish of the family Sphyraenidae that grows up to 170 cm.

Length
170 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–100.0 m
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
May bite
Range
Asia: American Samoa, Australia, Bahrain, Cambodia, Fiji, Tuamotu Is. and others
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The Blackfin barracuda is a barracuda (Sphyraenidae) from coastal and reef water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 170 cm and has an elongate, silvery, torpedo-shaped body with a large mouth full of sharp, dagger-like teeth. As a fast predator it hunts smaller fish, sometimes in schools. Large individuals can give a fierce bite when handled or in turbid water; keep clear of the jaws.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Blackfin barracuda?

The Blackfin barracuda has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey. Can bite with sharp teeth or powerful jaws; handle with care.

Where does the Blackfin barracuda live?

The Blackfin barracuda lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Asia: American Samoa, Australia, Bahrain, Cambodia, Fiji, Tuamotu Is. and others

How big does the Blackfin barracuda get?

The Blackfin barracuda grows to a maximum of about 170 cm. On average the species is around 80 cm.

Is the Blackfin barracuda dangerous to humans?

The Blackfin barracuda can bite, but is otherwise not dangerous to humans. A barracuda bite causes a deep cut. Rinse the wound with clean water, apply firm pressure to stop bleeding and cover with a sterile dressing. For a deep or extensive wound seek medical care, have it sutured if needed, update tetanus protection and watch for infection.

Is the Blackfin barracuda edible?

Yes, the Blackfin barracuda is commonly eaten.

More photos

Blackfin barracuda (Sphyraena qenie) — Sphyraenidae — 2
Wikimedia Commons — Kris Mikael Krister (CC BY 3.0)
Blackfin barracuda (Sphyraena qenie) — Sphyraenidae — 3
iNaturalist (no rights reserved)
Blackfin barracuda (Sphyraena qenie) — Sphyraenidae — 4
Wikimedia Commons — Bernard DUPONT from FRANCE (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Blackfin barracuda (Sphyraena qenie) — Sphyraenidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) Debra Baker, some rights reserved (CC BY))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Blackfin barracuda sourced
Scientific name
Sphyraena qenie
Family
Sphyraenidae
Other names
Blackfin barracuda; Blacktail barracuda; Military seapike; Chevron barracuda; Seapike verified

Appearance

Size class
Extra large verified
Max length (cm)
170.0 verified
Average length (cm)
80.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
100.0 verified
Natural range
Asia: American Samoa, Australia, Bahrain, Cambodia, Fiji, Tuamotu Is. and others sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Social behaviour
Schooling inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Can bite with sharp teeth or powerful jaws; handle with care. inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Fishing with natural bait (fish, shrimp, worm) or lures close to reef and rock structures. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
May bite verified
First aid
A barracuda bite causes a deep cut. Rinse the wound with clean water, apply firm pressure to stop bleeding and cover with a sterile dressing. For a deep or extensive wound seek medical care, have it sutured if needed, update tetanus protection and watch for infection. sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Sphyraena

More from the family Sphyraenidae

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