Yellowmouth barracuda (Sphyraena viridensis)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Sphyraena viridensis
- Common name
- Yellowmouth barracuda
- Category
- Fish
- Family
- Sphyraenidae
- Genus
- Sphyraena
- Size
- 50–165 cm
- Depth
- 0–100 m
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- open-water, rocky-reef
- Behaviours
- schooling, fast-moving
- Ocean zones
- East Atlantic, Macaronesia, Mediterranean
Description
Sphyraena viridensis reaches 165 cm. Large Mediterranean and tropical East Atlantic barracuda with very elongated fusiform silver body with olive-green to blue-green back, irregular dark vertical bands on flanks. Elongated jaw with impressive sharp teeth (but not dangerous to adult humans). Lives in imposing schools in hierarchical formation from 0 to 100 m in open water of Mediterranean and tropical Atlantic. Fast ambush predator. Iconic wide-angle photo subject of Med dives (Estartit's Brillants school, etc.).
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Yellowmouth barracuda?
- Yellowmouth barracuda (Sphyraena viridensis) reaches 50–165 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Yellowmouth barracuda?
- Yellowmouth barracuda is found between 0–100 m deep.
- Is the Yellowmouth barracuda dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Yellowmouth barracuda?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the Yellowmouth barracuda?
- Found in: East Atlantic, Macaronesia, Mediterranean.
Other species in the genus Sphyraena
- Sphyraena barracuda - Great barracuda
- Sphyraena jello - Pickhandle barracuda
- Sphyraena guachancho - Great Barracuda
- Sphyraena picudilla - Southern Sennet
- Sphyraena qenie - Blackfin barracuda
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 127069)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2394222)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia