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Barracuda (Sphyraena ensis) — Sphyraenidae

Barracuda

Sphyraena ensis
Family: Sphyraenidae
LC · Least Concern

The Barracuda (Sphyraena ensis) is a saltwater fish of the family Sphyraenidae that grows up to 127 cm.

Length
127 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
10.0–60.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Large groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The Mexican barracuda is a barracuda (Sphyraenidae) from the eastern Pacific. The species grows to about 1.3 metres (commonly around 65 cm) and has an elongate, silvery predatory body with a large mouth full of sharp teeth. It is a fairly common species of the continental shelf that hunts smaller fishes in schools. It is an important food fish and is sold fresh. The sharp teeth can give a nasty bite; otherwise it is not venomous.

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 127 cm.

Is the Barracuda dangerous to humans?

No, the Barracuda is harmless to humans.

Is the Barracuda edible?

Yes, the Barracuda is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Mexicaanse barracuda sourced
English name
Barracuda verified
Scientific name
Sphyraena ensis
Family
Sphyraenidae
Other names
Mexican barracuda verified

Appearance

Size class
Extra large verified
Max length (cm)
127.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Superior (upward) 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)
10.0 verified
Max depth (m)
60.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Large groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Wordt met hengel, sleeplijn en netten op roofvis bevist. sourced
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless 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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