Animal Species:Pickhandle Barracuda, Sphyraena jello Cuvier, 1829

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.

Alternative Name/s

Dingo-fish, Giant Sea-pike, Giant Seapike, Sea Pike, Slender Seapike

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.

Size range

The species grows to 1.5 m in length.

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.

Sphyraena jello

Distribution by collection data

Ozcam map of Pickhandle Barracuda specimens in the Australian Museum.

What does this mean?

Habitat

The species is usually found near coral reefs and in estuaries.

Other behaviours and adaptations

The Pickhandle Barracuda is a schooling species.

Classification

Species:
jello
Genus:
Sphyraena
Family:
Sphyraenidae
Order:
Perciformes
Class:
Actinopterygii
Subphylum:
Vertebrata
Phylum:
Chordata
Kingdom:
Animalia

What does this mean?

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.


Mark McGrouther , Collection Manager, Ichthyology
Last Updated:

Tags Fishes, Ichthyology, Pickhandle Barracuda, Sphyraena jello, Sphyraenidae, silver, yellow, long and skinny, > 1m, countershaded, stripes or bands, coral reef, marine, adult,