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Sharpfin barracuda (Sphyraena acutipinnis) — Sphyraenidae

Sharpfin barracuda

Sphyraena acutipinnis
Family: Sphyraenidae

The Sharpfin barracuda (Sphyraena acutipinnis) is a brackish-water fish of the family Sphyraenidae that grows up to 80 cm.

Length
80 cm
Water
Brackish
Depth
0–66.0 m
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
May bite
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The Sharpfin barracuda is a barracuda (Sphyraenidae) from coastal and reef water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 80 cm and has an elongate, silvery, torpedo-shaped body with a large mouth full of sharp, dagger-like teeth. As a fast predator it hunts smaller fish, sometimes in schools. Large individuals can give a fierce bite when handled or in turbid water; keep clear of the jaws.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Sharpfin barracuda?

The Sharpfin barracuda has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Sharpfin barracuda live?

The Sharpfin barracuda lives in brackish water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Sharpfin barracuda get?

The Sharpfin barracuda grows to a maximum of about 80 cm. On average the species is around 50 cm.

Is the Sharpfin barracuda dangerous to humans?

The Sharpfin barracuda can bite, but is otherwise not dangerous to humans.

Is the Sharpfin barracuda edible?

Yes, the Sharpfin barracuda is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Scherpvin-barracuda sourced
English name
Sharpfin barracuda sourced
Scientific name
Sphyraena acutipinnis
Family
Sphyraenidae
Other names
Japanese barracuda; Pointed finned sea pike; Pointedfin barracuda; Sharpfin barracuda verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
80.0 verified
Average length (cm)
50.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Brackish sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Max depth (m)
66.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

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

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Vissen met natuurlijk aas (vis, garnaal, worm) of kunstaas dicht bij rif- en rotsstructuren. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
May bite verified

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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