Sphyraena acutipinnis
Sphyraena acutipinnis Day, 1876
Sharpfin barracuda
photo by Chater, S.


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Family:  Sphyraenidae (Barracudas)
Max. size:  80 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; brackish; marine; depth range - 66 m
Distribution:  Indo-Pacific: East Africa to the Hawaiian, Marquesan and Tuamoto islands, north to southern Japan. No record from the Western Central Pacific but H. Senou believes that it occurs from the Philippines to north-eastern Australia (Ref. 9768). The exact range is uncertain because of confusion of this species with Sphyraena helleri (Ref. 9768).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 6-6; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8-9; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 8-8. Body with a narrow dark stripe on the lower flank; a dark marking on body near pelvic fin base; caudal fin darkish (Ref. 9775).
Biology:  Inhabits lagoon and seaward reefs (Ref. 9710). Also found in bays (Ref. 9768). Schooling species. Nocturnally active (Ref. 9768).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 18 August 2023 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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