Species · GBIF taxon 2394265
Pacific Barracuda
Sphyraena argenteaAlso known as California Barracuda, Silver Barracuda
Pacific barracudas are sleek, torpedo-shaped predators that patrol nearshore kelp forests and open waters in search of schooling baitfish. They hunt using exceptional bursts of speed and a mouth full of razor-sharp, knife-like teeth designed to slice through prey. While younger fish form large, glittering schools near the surface, older individuals often adopt a more solitary lifestyle in deeper waters.
PredatoryMarineSchooling
Licensed referenceDarren Baker / CC BY 3.0 · CC BY 3.0
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Northern anchovies
- Pacific sardines
- Market squid
Predators
- California sea lions
- Sharks
- White seabass
ThreatsOverfishing, habitat degradation, and climate-driven water temperature shifts
HabitatsCoastal waters, kelp forests, and open ocean
Life spanUp to 12 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilySphyraenidae
- SpeciesSphyraena argentea
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Possesses sharp teeth and can deliver a nasty bite if handled; handle with care when fishing.
- Why it is dangerous
- Equipped with highly sharp, knife-like teeth and strong jaws that can inflict deep lacerations if the fish thrashes when caught.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Look for a highly elongated, silver body with a pointed snout, a projecting lower jaw, and a series of faint, dark bars along the back.
- What to do
- Use heavy gloves and long-nosed pliers to remove hooks, keeping hands well away from the mouth.
Responsible observation
- Angling Etiquette: Use wire leaders to prevent their sharp teeth from cutting the line.
- Observation: Look for them hovering just below the surface near the edges of kelp beds.
Prey (c) harum.koh, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by harum.koh · cc-by-sa
Predator (c) Liam Steele, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Liam Steele · cc-by
Habitat Partner "Giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera), Monterey Bay aquarium, California" by LT&C is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/. · cc-by
Close Relative Hectonichus / CC BY-SA 4.0 · CC BY-SA 4.0
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