Blackfin barracuda
📖 Overview
Found near current-swept lagoon and seaward reefs . Feeds on fishes . Usually seen in large semi-stationary schools during the day which have a tendency to occupy the same site for months or even years at a time. Probably disperses at night to feed . Often hooked by trolling between dusk and dawn . Minimum depth reported taken from Ref. 128797.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 6; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9; Anal spines: 2; Anal soft rays: 7 - 9. Many dark bars crossing lateral line on body, each bar oblique in upper half, but nearly vertical in the lower; caudal fin largely blackish. No gill rakers on first arch; upper and lower gill arch with rough platelets, each platelet not bearing distinct spine. : elongated; Cross section: oval.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Blackfin barracuda is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
In general, barracudas in large numbers aggegate during spawning season and migrate to specific spawning areas .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 0 - 100 m . Tropical; 30°N - 24°S East Africa, Red Sea to Persian Gulf (Ref.
🌿 Ecology
fishes (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🎣 Angling Guide
- medium-heavy 7ft spinning rod
- 30-50 lb braid
- fluorocarbon leader
- grass flats
- oyster bars
- marsh drains
- deeper channel edges
Use barbless hooks, minimise air exposure, and revive fish head-first in current before release.
⚠️ Slot limits protect breeding-size fish. Verify daily bag limits.
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Blackfin 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 | 20.2 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 77 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Blackfin 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
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sphyraena genie | Klunzinger | 1870 | Synonym |
| Sphyraena nigripinnis | Temminck & Schlegel | 1843 | Heterotypic |
| Sphyraena tessera | Smith | 1956 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 4 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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