Bigeye Barracuda, Sphyraena forsteri (Cuvier, 1829)

Scientific name: Sphyraena forsteri
A school of Bigeye Barracuda. Click to enlarge image
A school of Bigeye Barracuda. Image: Ian Shaw
© Ian Shaw

Fast Facts

  • Classification
    Genus
    Sphyraena
    Species
    forsteri
    Family
    Sphyraenidae
    Order
    Perciformes
    Class
    Actinopterygii
    Subphylum
    Vertebrata
    Phylum
    Chordata
    Kingdom
    Animalia
  • Size Range
    Bigeye Barracuda grow to 65 cm in length.

Introduction

The Bigeye Barracuda iscan be recognised by its elongate shape, large eye, and colouration. The species occurs throughout much of the Indo-Pacific.

Identification

The Bigeye Barracuda can be recognised by its elongate shape, large eye, and colouration. It is greenish-grey dorsally, has silvery sides, a black blotch on the base of the pectoral fin, and white tips to the second dorsal and anal fins.

Distribution

The species occurs throughout much of the Indo-Pacific. The school of Bigeye Barracuda in the image was photographed in a protected bay at North Solitary Island, northern New South Wales.

The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Click on the map for detailed information. Source: Atlas of Living Australia.

References

  1. de Sylva, D.P. 1975. Barracudas (Pisces: Sphyraenidae) of the Indian Ocean and adjacent seas - a preliminary review of their systematics and ecology. J. Mar. Biol. Assoc. India v. 15 (no. 1) [1973]: 74-94. [Published 1975, author's notation on reprint.]
  2. Smith, M.M., and P.C. Heemstra (eds.). 1986. Smiths' Sea Fishes. Macmillan South Africa, Johannesburg. i-xx + 1-1047, Pls. 1-144. [Revision of J.L.B. Smith's, The Sea Fishes of Southern Africa, first published in 1949. Also 1988, 1991 and 1995 impressions.]
  3. Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R. & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 557.