Sharpfin barracuda
📖 Overview
Sharpfin barracuda (Sphyraena acutipinnis), first described by Day, 1876 is a large fish in the family Sphyraenidae (order Perciformes). Adults typically reach 80.00 cm in maximum length. It inhabits marine coastal and open-ocean environments. It occurs in Tropical waters. Diet is predominantly piscivorous, targeting other fish and larger prey. The species schools in loose to tight aggregations. On the IUCN Red List, it is classified as Least Concern.The species is important as a food fish and considered a sustainable seafood option under current management. As a member of the Sphyraenidae, it shares life-history and morphological traits with its relatives in the group.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 6; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8 - 9; Anal spines: 2; Anal soft rays: 8. Body with a narrow dark stripe on the lower flank; a dark marking on body near pelvic fin base; caudal fin darkish .: elongated.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Sharpfin barracuda is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; brackish; reef-associated; depth range ? - 66 m . Tropical; 32°N - 24°S East Africa to the Hawaiian, Marquesan and Tuamoto islands, north to southern Japan.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Sharpfin barracuda is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 20.5 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 96 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Sharpfin barracuda has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Japanese Barracuda · Sharp-fin Barracuda · Sharp-fin barracuda, Sharpfin barracuda · cheekflap barracuda · sharpfin barracuda |
| 🌍CES | soltýn japonský · soltýn ostroploutvý |
| 🇩🇪German | Pfeil-Barrakuda |
| 🇯🇵Japanese | オオヤマトカマス · ヤマトカマス |
| 🇵🇱Polish | barrakuda ostropłetwa |
| 🇵🇹Portuguese | Barracuda-de-barbatana-afiada |
| 🇷🇺Russian | Остропёрая барракуда |
| 🌍TGL | Balyos |
| 🇨🇳Chinese | 尖鰭金梭魚 · 尖鰭魣 · 巴拉庫答 · 日本金梭魚 · 竹梭 · 針梭 |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indosphyraena africana | Gilchrist & Thompson | 1909 | Synonym |
| Sphyraena africana | Gilchrist & Thompson | 1909 | Synonym |
| Sphyraena natalensis | von Bonde | 1923 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 4 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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