Fauna
Species

Blackfin Barracuda

Sphyraena qenie

Also known as Chevron Barracuda, Darkfin Barracuda

Blackfin barracudas gather by the hundreds in dazzling, rotating vortexes along seaward reef drop-offs, using these daytime schools to deter predators and conserve energy in surging currents. At dusk, the tight formations disperse into open water as individual hunters strike small pelagic fish with rapid bursts of speed powered by their elongated, torpedo-shaped bodies. Dark chevron markings and inky fins distinguish them from other large reef predators, signaling a highly specialized existence tied closely to dynamic current corridors.

SchoolingCarnivorousMarine
Blackfin Barracuda reference
Alexander Vasenin / CC BY-SA 3.0 · CC BY-SA 3.0
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyLunar Fusilier, Herring, Squid
Predators
  • Grey Reef Shark
  • Tiger Shark
  • Giant Trevally
ThreatsOverfishing, commercial bycatch, and coral reef degradation
HabitatsCoral reefs, steep drop-offs, and open coastal waters
Life span10–15 years
Classification
  1. FamilySphyraenidae
  2. SpeciesSphyraena qenie
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Possesses sharp teeth capable of severe bites if handled or cornered; observe calmly from a respectful distance.
Why it is dangerous
Equipped with razor-sharp fang-like teeth and powerful jaws that inflict deep lacerations and tissue trauma if grabbed or speared.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Recognizable by prominent dark chevron stripes on a silver body and intensely dark, blackish caudal and dorsal fins.
What to do
Maintain neutral buoyancy and give schools plenty of room; never corner, feed, or touch free-swimming fish.
Responsible observation
  • Dive Etiquette: Avoid swimming directly into the center of a swirling school to keep the formation calm.
  • Secure Gear: Tuck away highly reflective jewelry and shiny metal snaps, which can attract curious strikes in low visibility.
  • Maintain Distance: Give feeding individuals space during twilight dives when schools fragment to hunt.
Related species
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