Domain |
   Eukarya |
Kingdom |
   Animalia |
Phylum |
   Chordata |
Family |
   Sphyraenidae |
Description |
   Barracudas |
Environment |
   Marine |
Etymology |
   Greek, sphyraina = a fish similar to an iron pin, a pike like fish |
Genus |
   1 |
No. of Species |
   27 |
Order |
   Perciformes |
Class |
   Actinopterygii |
Reproductive Guild |
   Nonguarders |
Distribution |
   Tropical and subtropical. Distribution: Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. Elongated body. Large-mouthed with the lower jaw projecting forward bearing strong fanglike teeth. Upper jaw non-protractile, an adaptation to feeding on large prey. Well-developed lateral line. Gill rakers vestigial. Position of pectoral fins relatively low. Dorsal fins far apart. First dorsal fin with 5 spines; second dorsal with 1 spine and 9 soft rays. Vertebrae 24 (11+13). Usually to 1.8 m maximum length; could grow longer. Voracious predators of other fishes. Attacks on humans have been reported. Pelagic spawning in schools. Food and game fishes, but large specimens may be ciguatoxic. |