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Lucas barracuda (Sphyraena lucasana) — Sphyraenidae

Lucas barracuda

Sphyraena lucasana
Family: Sphyraenidae

The Lucas barracuda (Sphyraena lucasana) is a saltwater fish of the family Sphyraenidae that grows up to 70 cm.

Length
70 cm
Water
Saltwater
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Open water
Danger
May bite
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The Lucas barracuda is a barracuda (Sphyraenidae) from coastal and reef water of the eastern Pacific, especially the Gulf of California. The species grows to about 50 cm and has an elongate, silvery, torpedo-shaped body with a pointed head and a lower jaw with large, sharp teeth. As a fast predator it hunts small fish and squid in schools. With its powerful jaws and teeth it can give a serious bite when handled; in the water it is not interested in people.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Lucas barracuda?

The Lucas barracuda has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Lucas barracuda live?

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

How big does the Lucas barracuda get?

The Lucas barracuda grows to a maximum of about 70 cm.

Is the Lucas barracuda dangerous to humans?

The Lucas barracuda can bite, but is otherwise not dangerous to humans.

Is the Lucas barracuda edible?

Yes, the Lucas barracuda is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Cortez-barracuda sourced
English name
Lucas barracuda sourced
Scientific name
Sphyraena lucasana
Family
Sphyraenidae
Other names
Gulf barracuda; Lucas barracuda verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
70.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Social behaviour
Schooling sourced
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Te vangen met natuurlijk aas of kunstaas, afgestemd op de grootte en het leefgebied van de soort. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
May bite verified

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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