Species · GBIF taxon 2394217
Sawtooth Barracuda
Sphyraena putnamaeAlso known as Chevron Barracuda, Military Barracuda
Sawtooth barracuda patrol coastal shallows, turbid lagoons, and coral reefs in massive, coordinated schools that create dazzling silver walls in the water. These formidable predators rely on their streamlined, torpedo-shaped bodies and explosive bursts of speed to ambush unsuspecting prey. Their distinctive dark, chevron-shaped markings along the flanks provide excellent camouflage against the shimmering surface light of the open ocean.
MarinePredatorSchooling
Licensed reference(c) Profmauri, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · 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
- Large Sharks
- Groupers
- Dolphins
ThreatsOverfishing, coastal development, and marine pollution
HabitatsCoastal waters, coral reefs, turbid lagoons, and shallow bays
Life spanUp to 14 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilySphyraenidae
- SpeciesSphyraena putnamae
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Capable of delivering a sharp bite if provoked or attracted by shiny objects; avoid wearing jewelry in the water.
- Why it is dangerous
- Equipped with razor-sharp, dagger-like teeth and a powerful jaw capable of inflicting deep lacerations if cornered or provoked.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Look for a long, silver, torpedo-shaped body marked with dark chevron patterns and a deeply forked tail.
- What to do
- Never attempt to spear, corner, or feed these fish; swim slowly away if they approach too closely.
Responsible observation
- Remove Shiny Objects: Avoid wearing reflective jewelry or watches, which can be mistaken for flashing prey fish in turbid water.
- Keep Distance: Observe schooling groups from a respectful distance to avoid startling them into defensive behavior.
- Watch the Water: Exercise caution in turbid lagoons where visibility is low and sudden movements might trigger an ambush response.
Close Relative Hectonichus / CC BY-SA 4.0 · CC BY-SA 4.0
Close Relative Jens Petersen / CC BY 2.5 · CC BY 2.5
Image unavailableClose Relative
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