Fish Identification Photos: Pacific Barracuda, California Barracuda, Sphyraena argentea: The Pacific Barracuda is characterized by its overall barracuda-like appearance, blue-brown back, series of faint oblique bars above the prominent dark lateral line, and silver underbody.

The fins of the Pacific Barracuda have grey rays and yellowish membranes. Its pelvic fins originate well behind the pectoral fins and under the first dorsal fin. The Pacific Barracuda's pectoral fins are short, with 16 rays. The caudal fin is deeply forked. The Pacific Barracuda is found in the first 50 feet of the water column, in and around reefs.

In Mexico, the Pacific Barracuda is found all along the Pacific side of the Baja California peninsula, on the eastern side of Baja as far north as Loreto, and around the Revillagigedos Islands. It is absent from other parts of the Sea of Cortez and is not found along the coast of the mainland. The Pacific Barracuda reaches a maximum length of 4 feet, and 18 pounds in weight.

The Pacific Barracuda is a member of the Sphyraenidae or Barracuda Family. The Pacific Barracuda might be confused with the Blackfin Barracuda, Sphyraena qenie (slender, caudal fin with lobes, dark anal, caudal and dorsal fins); the Lucas’ Barracuda, Sphyraena lucasana (faint bars on upper back, pale fins); or the Mexican Barracuda, Sphyraena ensis (grey caudal fin, flank with chevron markings and pelvic fins originated under the pectoral tips).

Pacific Barracuda, Sphyraena argentea. Pacific Barracuda, Sphyraena argentea: Photo courtesy Gene KIra. Pacific Barracuda, Sphyraena argentea: Photo courtesy Trout Traubman.