Yellowtail barracuda
📖 Overview
Yellowtail barracuda (Sphyraena flavicauda) is a ray-finned fish of the family Sphyraenidae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters in reef-associated environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 60 cm. It occurs at depths between 2 and 25 metres. With a trophic level of 4.2, it is a mid-level predator. It is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Commercially fished and consumed as food.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 6; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9; Anal spines: 2; Anal soft rays: 9. Body with two brown or brownish yellow longitudinal stripes which may disappear in old specimens; caudal fin yellowish . S. flavicauda is more elongate than S. obtusata and differs in dorsal fin height pectoral fin length . : elongated.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Yellowtail barracuda is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 2 - 25 m . Tropical; 31°N - 31°S, 31°E - 169°W West Pacific: Persian Gulf (Ref.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Yellowtail 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 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 79 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Yellowtail 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 8 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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