Come identificare European Barracuda

Per identificare European Barracuda (Sphyraena viridensis), osserva queste caratteristiche chiave.

Caratteristiche fisiche

Forma del corpo

torpedo

Colorazione

Dorsal side typically dark grey to greenish-blue, fading to silvery-white on the flanks and belly. Often exhibits faint, irregular dark bars or blotches on the sides, which can be more pronounced in younger individuals or when stressed. The caudal fin is often yellowish, especially in adults, giving rise to the 'Yellowmouth Barracuda' common name in some regions.

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., Large, deeply forked caudal fin., Lateral line is prominent and straight.

Pinna dorsale

Two dorsal fins; the first dorsal fin has 5 strong spines, and the second dorsal fin has 1 spine and 9 soft rays. The two fins are widely separated.

Pinna caudale

Large, deeply forked caudal fin, often yellowish.

Pinna pettorale

Small, located low on the body.

Pinne distintive

Pelvic fins are small and located abdominally, beneath the pectoral fins.

Consigli per l'identificazione

1. 1

   Body Shape and Coloration

   Look for the classic torpedo-shaped body, dark dorsal, silvery flanks, and often faint vertical bars. The yellowish caudal fin is a good indicator in adults.

2. 2

   Head and Mouth

   The large, pointed head with a protruding lower jaw and visible sharp teeth are key identifiers. The 'yellowmouth' coloration inside the mouth can also be a distinguishing feature.

3. 3

   Dorsal Fins

   The two widely separated dorsal fins are characteristic of barracudas, and S. viridensis specifically.

4. 4

   Size

   Adults typically range from 60-100 cm (24-39 inches) in length, with a maximum recorded length of about 150 cm (59 inches) and weight up to 3.6 kg (8 lbs).

Esplora European Barracuda