Sphyraena bolcensis, a barracuda from Monte Bolca

Sphyraena bolcensis Agassiz, 1844

    Eocene

    Ypresian

    Monte Bolca near Verona

    Italy

    The genus Sphyraena (from Latin: "pike-like") belongs to the order Perciformes. Members of the genus Sphyraena, better known as Barracudas, are elongated fish, pike-like in appearance, with large pointed heads and jaws. The two dorsal fins are widely separated with the anterior fin having five spines, the posterior fin having only one spine and nine soft rays. The posterior dorsal fin is similar in size to the anal fin and is situated above it. Barracudas normally have an under bite with prominent sharp-edged fang-like teeth in sockets.

    The oldest known barracuda fossil found so far dates to the Eocene period.

    All members of the genus Sphyraena are voracious predators; they feed upon cephalopods and crustaceans but mainly prey on fishes. Young barracudas can be often seen in small schools. Adult barracudas are considered to be solitary when it comes to hunting. The great barracuda can swim up to 35 mph, yet it can move forward slowly with no apparent effort; thus increasing its stealth.

    Barracuda are found primarily in tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific oceans, but certain species such as the Great Barracuda lives in brackish water.