Barracuda

Sphyraena

CommonSphyraenidaeCiguatera risk

ID points

Long spear-like body with a bright silvery sheen
Jutting lower jaw with sharp canine teeth showing
The two dorsal fins are set far apart

Basics

Family: Sphyraenidae
Length: 60–180 cm
Depth: 0-100 m
Regions: Indo-Pacific reefs · Caribbean & W. Atlantic · Open ocean
Distribution: Tropical and subtropical seas worldwide
Habitat: Reef edges and open coastal water
Diet: Fish

Easily confused with

Blacktip Reef SharkEvery fin tip carries a bold black blotch

SalmonGrey-green back with fine dense black spots; silvery white belly

TrevallyDeep, flattened body; slender tail base with hard keeled scutes

Fun fact

A barracuda has an extremely streamlined silver body and sharp canine teeth, and it can reach 50 km/h. It is drawn to anything that flashes in the water, so the silver jewellery a diver wears can trigger a mistaken strike.

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