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Barracuda (Acanthocybium solandri) — Scombridae

Barracuda

Acanthocybium solandri
Family: Scombridae
LC · Least Concern

The Barracuda (Acanthocybium solandri) is a saltwater fish of the family Scombridae that grows up to 250 cm.

Length
250 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–20.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Venomous / poisonous
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The wahoo is a large, fast predator of the mackerel family (Scombridae) found worldwide in tropical and subtropical oceans. The species has a strongly streamlined, elongate body with a blue-green back, silvery flanks and vertical dark bars, and can reach 2.5 metres. It is an oceanic, epipelagic fish often solitary or in loose groups, hunting fishes and squid at high speed. The wahoo is a prized sport fish and, owing to its excellent flesh, is marketed fresh, salted or frozen. Its razor-sharp teeth can cause injuries.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Barracuda?

The Barracuda has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly blue and shows a vertical stripes pattern.

Where does the Barracuda live?

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

How big does the Barracuda get?

The Barracuda grows to a maximum of about 250 cm. On average the species is around 170 cm.

Is the Barracuda dangerous to humans?

The Barracuda is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed.

Is the Barracuda edible?

Yes, the Barracuda is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Wahoo sourced
English name
Barracuda verified
Scientific name
Acanthocybium solandri
Family
Scombridae
Other names
Bastard mackerel; Jack mackerel; Kingfish; Mackerel; Malata kingfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Extra large verified
Max length (cm)
250.0 verified
Average length (cm)
170.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Blue inferred
Pattern
Vertical bars inferred
Tail shape
Crescent (lunate) 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
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
20.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

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

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Sneltrollen met kunstaas of aasvis aan het oppervlak; gebruik staaldraad vanwege de tanden. sourced
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Venomous / poisonous sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

More from the family Scombridae

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