Pickhandle Barracuda, Sphyraena jello Cuvier, 1829
Dingo-fish, Giant Sea-pike, Giant Seapike, Sea Pike, Slender Seapike
Click to enlarge image
© CC BY NC
Fast Facts
-
Classification
- Genus
- Sphyraena
- Species
- jello
- Family
- Sphyraenidae
- Order
- Perciformes
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Subphylum
- Vertebrata
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Kingdom
- Animalia
-
- Size Range
- The species grows to 1.5 m in length.
Introduction
In Australia the Pickhandle Barracuda is known from the central coast of Western Australia around the tropical north of the country and south to the southern coast of New South Wales. It can be recognised by its colouration.
Identification
The Pickhandle Barracuda can be recognised by its colouration. It is silver with about 20 wavy bars on the sides of the body. The caudal fin is yellowish.
Habitat
The species is usually found near coral reefs and in estuaries.
Distribution
The species occurs in tropical and warm temperate waters of the Indo-West Pacific. In Australia it is known from the central coast of Western Australia around the tropical north of the country and south to the southern coast of 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.
Other behaviours and adaptations
The Pickhandle Barracuda is a schooling species.
References
- Hoese, D.F., Bray, D.J., Paxton, J.R. & G.R. Allen. 2006. Fishes. In Beesley, P.L. & A. Wells. (eds) Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Volume 35. ABRS & CSIRO Publishing: Australia. parts 1-3, pages 1-2178.
- Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R. & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 557.
