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Updated 1/5/2024

Family Sphyraenidae

Barracudas

Solitary or schooling predators that feed upon small fish and squid.  They have spindle-shaped bodies, two widely-separated dorsal fins and razor-sharp teeth.  They hunt by moving almost imperceptibly into range then lunging forward with incredible speed, cutting prey to bits if not swallowing whole.  Rare attacks on swimmers are usually caused when it strikes a reflective item such as jewelry or metal mask frames.  Reduce this by removing shiny objects and avoid swimming in murky water.

 

CIRCUMTROPICAL

Sphyraena barracuda

GREAT BARRACUDA   KAKU

 

 

INDO-WEST PACIFIC / HAWAII

 

Sphyraena helleri

HELLER'S BARRACUDA   KAWELE'A

 


INDO-PACIFIC

Sphyraena jello

PICKHANDLE BARRACUDA

 

Sphyraena flavicauda

 

YELLOWTAIL BARRACUDA

Sphyraena forsteri

BIGEYE BARRACUDA

 

Sphyraena obtusata

OBTUSE BARRACUDA

Sphyraena qenie

BLACKTAIL BARRACUDA