Species · GBIF taxon 2394212
Japanese Barracuda
Sphyraena japonicaAlso known as Yamato Barracuda, Japanese Sea Pike
Japanese barracudas are sleek, silver-bodied predators that patrol coastal waters and reefs in search of small schooling fish. They rely on explosive bursts of speed and razor-sharp, dagger-like teeth to ambush prey in clear waters. While younger individuals often form loose schools for protection, mature adults tend to hunt solitarily along rocky shorelines.
MarinePredatorSchooling
Licensed referenceIzuzuki / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Anchovies
- Sardines
- Squid
Predators
- Sharks
- Tuna
- Dolphins
ThreatsOverfishing, habitat degradation, and climate change
HabitatsCoastal waters, rocky reefs, and sandy bays
Life span10 to 15 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilySphyraenidae
- SpeciesSphyraena japonica
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Equipped with sharp teeth; handle with extreme caution if caught or cornered.
- Why it is dangerous
- Possesses powerful jaws lined with razor-sharp, knife-like teeth capable of inflicting deep lacerations.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Look for a slender, torpedo-shaped silver body with faint dark bars and a prominent jutting lower jaw.
- What to do
- Never attempt to touch or hand-feed wild barracudas, and use long-nosed pliers if unhooking a caught fish.
Responsible observation
- Keep your distance: Observe these swift swimmers from a respectful distance while diving or snorkeling.
- Angler precaution: Use heavy gloves and pliers to remove hooks safely if you catch one.
- Watch for flash: Avoid wearing highly reflective jewelry in the water, which can mimic prey.
Image unavailablePrey 
Close Relative Hectonichus / CC BY-SA 4.0 · CC BY-SA 4.0Close Relative
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