Come identificare Guinean Barracuda

Per identificare Guinean Barracuda (Sphyraena afra), osserva queste caratteristiche chiave.

Caratteristiche fisiche

Forma del corpo

torpedo

Colorazione

Dorsally dark grey to greenish-brown, fading to silvery-white on the flanks and belly. Often exhibits faint, irregular dark bars or blotches on the sides, which may be more prominent in juveniles or when stressed. Fins are typically dusky.

Tipo di squame

cycloid

Posizione della bocca

superior

Caratteristiche distintive

Elongated, cylindrical body, slightly compressed laterally., Large, pointed head with a prominent lower jaw that protrudes beyond the upper jaw., Powerful jaws armed with two rows of sharp, conical teeth: an outer row of small, closely set teeth and an inner row of larger, widely spaced, dagger-like teeth., Two widely separated dorsal fins; the first with 5 strong spines, the second with 1 spine and 9 soft rays., Pectoral fins are short and located low on the body., Pelvic fins are abdominal, situated beneath the first dorsal fin., Lateral line is well-developed and straight., Maximum recorded length up to 200 cm (79 inches) TL, common length around 100-150 cm (39-59 inches) TL. Maximum weight around 50 kg (110 lbs).

Pinna dorsale

Two widely separated dorsal fins. First dorsal fin with 5 strong spines. Second dorsal fin with 1 spine and 9 soft rays.

Pinna caudale

Forked caudal fin, with the posterior margin often dark.

Pinna pettorale

Short, located low on the body, with 13-15 rays.

Pinne distintive

Pelvic fins abdominal, positioned below the first dorsal fin, with 1 spine and 5 soft rays. Anal fin with 2 spines and 7-8 soft rays.

Consigli per l'identificazione

1. 1

   Body Shape and Size

   Look for a very elongated, torpedo-shaped body, often exceeding 1 meter in length, with a prominent lower jaw.

2. 2

   Teeth

   Observe the distinctive, large, dagger-like teeth in the inner row of the lower jaw, characteristic of barracudas.

3. 3

   Dorsal Fins

   Note the two widely separated dorsal fins, with the first being spiny and the second soft-rayed.

4. 4

   Coloration

   Identify the dark grey to greenish-brown dorsal coloration fading to silvery-white, sometimes with faint vertical bars on the sides.

5. 5

   Geographic Location

   Confirming the catch location within the Eastern Atlantic (West African coast) helps differentiate it from other barracuda species.

Esplora Guinean Barracuda