Related FAQs: Barracudas,
Related
Articles: Scombroid Fishes
/A Diversity of
Fishes
Barracudas,
Family Sphyraenidae
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Bob Fenner |
Sphyraena jello Pulau Redang,
Malaysia
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These are arrow-like, tubular, stiff-bodied fish predators par
excellence... With a tail and muscles for rapid straight bursts of
speed, a non-protrusible jawed mouth lined with sharp, pointed teeth,
and typically an "I'm king of this place" attitude to
match. Some to nearly two meters in length, and feared in some places
more than sharks... for attacks (mainly accidental in murky water, or
attracted to shiny jewelry... or a speared fish...). One genus
comprising some twenty species.
Bigger PIX:
The images in this table are linked
to large (desktop size) copies. Click on "framed" images
to go to the larger size. |
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Sphyraena forsteri Cuvier 1829, the Big-eye
Barracuda. Indo-Pacific; east Africa to the Marquesas and Society
Islands. To 75 cm. Largely nocturnal, feeding on fishes, squid and
penaeid shrimps. Fiji image. |
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Sphyraena genie Klunzinger 1870, the
Blackfin Barracuda. Indo-Pacific; throughout the tropical Indian
Ocean, Pacific and Red Sea. To 170 cm. Usually solitary or in pairs
by day, aggregating at night to feed. Distinct dark barring and
black caudal. Red Sea and Andaman Sea images. |
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Bigger PIX:
The images in this table are linked to large (desktop size) copies.
Click on "framed" images to go to the larger size. |
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Sphyraena guachancho, Guachanche Barracuda.
Slightly protruding lower jaw; two widely spaced dorsal fins. Broken yellow
mid-body stripe. To two feet length. Tropical W. Atlantic, Carolinas to
Brazil and Gulf of Mexico. Roatan 2019. |
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Sphyraena idiastes Heller & Snodgrass
1903, the Pelican Barracuda. Southeast Pacific; Peru, Galapagos,
Cocos Islands. To 91 cm. Usually found in large groups, oblivious
to divers. Galapagos pic. |
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Sphyraena jello Cuvier 1829, the Pickhandle
Barracuda. Indo-Pacific; Indo-West Pacific; Red Sea, East Africa to
Vanuatu. To 150 cm. Upper half of body bars oblique, lower half
nearly vertical. Tail yellowish. image. |
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