Home · Sphyraenidae · Barracuda
Barracuda (Sphyraena argentea) — Sphyraenidae

Barracuda

Sphyraena argentea
Family: Sphyraenidae
LC · Least Concern

The Barracuda (Sphyraena argentea) is a saltwater fish of the family Sphyraenidae that grows up to 145 cm.

Length
145 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–18.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Can cause injury
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The Pacific barracuda is a barracuda of the family Sphyraenidae from the eastern Pacific. The species grows to about 1.45 metres and has an elongate, silvery, torpedo-shaped body with a large mouth full of razor-sharp teeth and a projecting lower jaw. It occurs near shore and just below the surface and often forms small schools. As a fast, powerful predator it hunts schooling fishes, squid and shrimps. The Pacific barracuda is a valued sport and food fish. The razor-sharp teeth can cause serious cuts when handling; keep fingers away from the mouth.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Barracuda?

The Barracuda has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Barracuda live?

The Barracuda lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water.

How big does the Barracuda get?

The Barracuda grows to a maximum of about 145 cm.

Is the Barracuda dangerous to humans?

The Barracuda can cause injury; handle it with care.

Is the Barracuda edible?

Yes, the Barracuda is commonly eaten.

Download Fin's Fish Guide

Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.

Get the beta →

All data

Identification

Dutch name
Pacifische barracuda sourced
English name
Barracuda verified
Scientific name
Sphyraena argentea
Family
Sphyraenidae
Other names
Barracuda; California barracuda; Pacific barracuda verified

Appearance

Size class
Extra large verified
Max length (cm)
145.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
Two separate inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
18.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
levensduur_max_jaar
12.0 verified

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Sportvissen met kunstaas of (dood/levend) aasvis door te trollen, te werpen of drijvend te vissen in open water. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Can cause injury sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Sphyraena

More from the family Sphyraenidae

Download Fin's Fish Guide

Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.

Get the beta →