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Arrow barracuda (Sphyraena novaehollandiae) — Sphyraenidae

Arrow barracuda

Sphyraena novaehollandiae
Family: Sphyraenidae

The Arrow barracuda (Sphyraena novaehollandiae) is a saltwater fish of the family Sphyraenidae that grows up to 100 cm.

Length
100 cm
Water
Saltwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The Australian barracuda is a slender predator of the barracuda family (Sphyraenidae) occurring in temperate coastal waters around Australia and New Zealand. The species has an elongate, silvery-grey body with two separate dorsal fins and a large mouth with sharp teeth, and can reach about one metre. It occurs in channels and other semi-protected areas and hunts small fishes in schools. The Australian barracuda is a valued sport and food fish. Because of its sharp teeth a caught specimen must be handled with care.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Arrow barracuda?

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

Where does the Arrow barracuda live?

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

How big does the Arrow barracuda get?

The Arrow barracuda grows to a maximum of about 100 cm.

Is the Arrow barracuda dangerous to humans?

No, the Arrow barracuda is harmless to humans.

Is the Arrow barracuda edible?

Yes, the Arrow barracuda is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Australische barracuda sourced
English name
Arrow barracuda verified
Scientific name
Sphyraena novaehollandiae
Family
Sphyraenidae
Other names
Arrow barracuda; Australian barracuda verified

Appearance

Size class
Extra large verified
Max length (cm)
100.0 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
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

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

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Vissen met kunstaas of een levend aasvisje; ook trollend langs kanalen en kustriffen. 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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