Pickhandle Barracuda, Sphyraena jello Cuvier, 1829

Scientific name: Sphyraena jello
Alternative name/s:
Dingo-fish, Giant Sea-pike, Giant Seapike, Sea Pike, Slender Seapike
Pickhandle Barracuda, <i>Sphyraena jello </i> Click to enlarge image
Pickhandle Barracuda, Sphyraena jello Image: Australian National Fish Collection, CSIRO
© 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

  1. 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.
  2. Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R. & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 557.