Pickhandle barracuda

The pickhandle barracuda (Sphyraena jello) is a species of barracuda found throughout the Indo-Pacific region. Its common name derives from the dark marks along its sides, which look like the thick ends of pickaxe handles.[1] Sea anglers sometimes colloquially shorten the name to "pick".[2] Other common names for the species include banded barracuda, yellowtail barracuda, and sea pike.[3]

Pickhandle barracuda
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Istiophoriformes
Family: Sphyraenidae
Genus: Sphyraena
Species:
S. jello
Binomial name
Sphyraena jello
Cuvier in Cuvier and Valenciennes, 1829

Morphology and biology

The silver body of the pickhandle barracuda is outlined with approximately 20 wavy bars along the body of the fish, along with the dark marks. These dark markings fade under preservation. There is also a yellow caudal fin on the fish.[4] One of its many features similar to other barracuda is its underbite.[4]

It has been shown that Sphyraena jello feeds after releasing its gonads to spawn.[5][3] This release creates space for the stomach to magnify its capacity for appropriate feeding.[3] Sphyraena jello spawns in the Persian Gulf in October and November.[5]

Distribution and habitat

The pickhandle barracuda can be found in many locations throughout the Pacific Ocean.[4] They can usually be found in schools swimming in the tropical waters of the Pacific Ocean, particularly around coral reefs.[2] However, during the night the pickhandle barracuda begin to hunt.[2] These fish can be found at many depths ranging from 2–200 meters.[2]

References
  1. Froese, Rainer; Pauly, Daniel (eds.) (2005). "Sphyraena jello" in FishBase. November 2005 version.
  2. McGrouther, A. M. (n.d.). Pickhandle Barracuda, Sphyraena Jello Cuvier, 1829. The Australian Museum. Retrieved February 28, 2022, from https://australian.museum/learn/animals/fishes/pickhandle-barracuda-sphyraena-jello/
  3. Halpern, B.S., 2004. Are mangroves a limiting resource for two coral reef fishes?. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser., 272: 93–98.
  4. Sutton, A., Alan Sutton is an underwater photographer and writer at Seaunseen., Seaunseen, Beaume, E., & Blundon, R. (2021, January 14). Pickhandle Barracuda – Facts and Photographs. Seaunseen. Retrieved February 28, 2022, from https://seaunseen.com/pickhandle-barracuda/
  5. S.A. Hosseini, S. Jamili, T. Valinassab, G. Vosoghi and S.M.R. Fatemi, 2009. Feeding and Spawning of Sphyraena jello in the North-West of Persian Gulf. Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Science, 4: 57–62.


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