Australian Biological Resources Study

Australian Faunal Directory

Sphyraenidae

Sphyraenidae

<I>Sphyraena barracuda</I>, holotype of Sphyraena akerstromi</I>

Sphyraena barracuda, holotype of Sphyraena akerstromi

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CAAB: 37382000

Family SPHYRAENIDAE

Barracudas, Sea Pikes


Compiler and date details

22 April 2013 - Douglass F. Hoese, Dianne J. Bray, & Matthew M. Lockett

20 December 2006 - Dianne J. Bray & Douglass F. Hoese

Introduction

Barracudas occur in shallow marine tropical and subtropical environments throughout the world. Currently, the family Sphyraenidae is represented by one genus with 20 species worldwide (de Sylva 1984; de Sylva & Williams 1986). Eleven species are recorded from Australia, with one additional name listed as incertae sedis.

Sphyraenids are pelagic and are often found adjacent to coral reefs as well as in bays and estuaries. The family is distinguished by the presence of an elongate body and large mouth with prominent fang-like teeth. Some species are large and may reach a length of 1.6 m.

The family has not been revised on a worldwide basis, but several regional reviews have been written: Au (1979) for the northern South China Sea fauna and Lin & Shao (1987) for the waters of Taiwan. Senou (2001) treated some species known from Australia, but further study is needed for Australian species.

 

History of changes

Note that this list may be incomplete for dates prior to September 2013.
Published As part of group Action Date Action Type Compiler(s)
15-May-2013 15-May-2013 MODIFIED
12-Feb-2010 (import)