Pickhandle barracuda  (Sphyraena jello)

The pickhandle barracuda has yet to be classified by the IUCN.

A large, streamlined predatory fish with a fierce appearance, the pickhandle barracuda (Sphyraena jello) is capable of quickly pursuing its prey using thrusts of the powerful, forked tail fin (2). The mouth of this species is large, reaching back level with the small eye, and is armed with long, sharp, dagger-like teeth. The dark bars that streak its sides are vertical in the lower half, but angled in the top half in the shape of a pick, giving this fish its common name. The pickhandle barracuda is light silver in colour, which acts as camouflage, making it difficult to see from below against the surface light (4) (5) (6).

The pickhandle barracuda occurs in the Indian and west Pacific Oceans, ranging from the south-eastern coast of South Africa, across the northern Indian Ocean to Southeast Asia and Australia (2).

The pickhandle barracuda is most commonly found around coral reefs, but also inhabits bays, estuaries and lagoons, at depths of between 20 and 200 metres (2) (7).

Using its excellent camouflage and ability to remain completely still in the water as if frozen (5), the pickhandle barracuda lies in wait for its fish or squid prey (2). Larger pickhandle barracuda tend to be solitary, while smaller individuals occur in schools (2) (8).

As with other barracuda species, little is known about the reproductive cycle of the pickhandle barracuda, but it is believed that spawning occurs once a year, with eggs and sperm being released into the open ocean for external fertilisation (5).

Despite being exploited for both sport and commercial fishing, the pickhandle barracuda does not appear to be under threat of extinction, although its exact conservation status has yet to be assessed (9).

There are currently no known conservation measures targeting the pickhandle barracuda.

Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi is a principal sponsor of ARKive. EAD is working to protect and conserve the environment as well as promoting sustainable development in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

View information on this species at the UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre.

For more information on the pickhandle barracuda:

• FishBase:
  http://www.fishbase.org/

For more information on fish conservation:

• World Fisheries Trust:
  http://www.worldfish.org/