The yellowtail barracuda is among the smaller fish species of barracuda. Their wide distribution ranges from the Red Sea through the east Indo-Pacific region, the Great Barrier Reef of Australia, and the Mediterranean Sea. Yellowtail barracudas and freshwater pikes are both species that have long pointed snouts and are often compared to each other for this. They are sometimes called sea pike.This small barracuda fish species is found on coral and rocky reefs, protected bays, and lagoons. These species are long elongated with a narrow-shaped body and are more famously known for their yellow tail and caudal fin. Their long bodies are divided into dorsal din. The dorsal fin has five spines, among which the first is the longest in length. They generally lay around 0.3 million eggs on the surface of the water. They are often seen hanging on the reef in tropical water in search of food such as worms, snails, copepods, shrimps, and small fish.Though much evidence has not been reported of these barracudas causing harm to humans, some metallic objects close to them might be a cause of concern. They mostly dominate the small species around them. They are found all over the world throughout the Indo-Pacific tropical water region and are on the list of Least Concern.If you keep a deep interest in reading about different fish, then do read and learn some interesting and surprising facts about them vendace fish and barracuda.
Fun Yellowtail Barracuda Facts For Kids
What do they prey on? Tapeworm, flatworms, copepod, shrimps, small fish
What do they eat? Carnivore and scavenger
Average litter size? 0.3 million eggs
How much do they weigh? 160-208 oz (4.5-5.8 kg)
How long are they? 13.7-23.6 in (35-60 cm)
How tall are they? N/A
What do they look like? Yellow, gray, black, white
Skin Type Scales
What were their main threats? Humans, Sharks, Whales
What is their conservation status? Least Concern
Where you’ll find them? Lagoons, Tropical Water, Coral And Rocky Reef
Locations Australia, Mediterranean, Indo-pacific Region, Red Sea, Great Barrier Reef
Kingdom Animalia
Genus Sphyraenidae
Class Actinopterygii
Family Sphyraenidae
Yellowtail Barracuda Interesting FactsWhat type of animal is a yellowtail barracuda?The yellowtail barracudas are long, narrow-body shaped fish with a wide range of distribution from the Red Sea to Samoa. The scientific name of this species is Sphyraena flavicauda. They are most of the time compared with pike fish, as these two fish species have a long pointed snout. These freshwater are smaller among barracuda species. Their name comes from their yellow tail.What class of animal does a yellowtail barracuda belong to?The yellowtail barracuda, Sphyraena flavicauda, belongs to the class of Actinopterygii similar to the toadfish and the family Sphyraenidae. The genus they belong to is Sphyraena.How many yellowtail barracudas are there in the world?The exact number of these barracudas has not been estimated and is unknown. They are found all over the world with a wide range of distribution and habitats.Where does a yellowtail barracuda live?The yellowtail barracuda, Sphyraena flavicauda, distribution is throughout the Indo-Pacific region range. They are spotted in the east of the Red Sea to Samoa, the northern Ryukyu Islands, and in the south near the Great Barrier Reef of Australia. They are even found in the Mediterranean, in Israel, Rhodes, and Libya. They are common on the coast of Libya. They have a wide range map and habitat.What is a yellowtail barracuda’s habitat?The yellowtail barracudas are mostly seen in tropical and sometimes in subtropical water regions. They can be spotted near protected bays and lagoons, on inner and outer reef slopes. The newborn fry are planktonic and are often seen in sheltered coastal areas.Who do yellowtail barracudas live with?The young juveniles live in large schools of fish, whereas, the adults are mostly found hunting solitary. The juveniles search for a safe place and generally join back the reef where they can protect themselves from predators.How long does a yellowtail barracuda live?The exact age of these fish is not estimated, but with general barracuda facts, it can be acknowledged that these fish might live up to 14 years of age.How do they reproduce?Not much evidence is available in the context of their breeding. These species are believed to breed between the months of April and September. The Sphyraena flavicauda is found in groups and, during spawning, separates from the group and moves upward on the surface where the female lays up to 0.3 million eggs. These eggs float on the surface like other fish species until they are hatched into little larvae. These pike-like snout breeds are open-water fish. When they grow into juveniles, they move deep into the sea near coral and rocky reefs to protect themselves from predators.What is their conservation status?The conservation status of these barracuda fish species is on the list of Least Concern as they are not rare and are found globally.Yellowtail Barracuda Fun FactsWhat do yellowtail barracudas look like?The description of Sphyraena flavicauda is very much like that of freshwater pikes. They are long, narrow-shaped fish with bright yellow tails. They have sharp teeth, which also makes them harmful. Their dorsal fin has five spines, among which the first spine is the longest. The second dorsal fin is above the anal fin. The pectoral and pelvic fins are close to each other. Their heads are large and flattened with big eyes, a narrow-pointed snout, and long jaws with sharp teeth. The lower jaw has only one large canine tooth. They are gray in color with white under the belly part. Their tail, or caudal fin, is yellow in color with light black stripes. The black lateral lines run through their long, thin bodies. They are often called sea pike because of their pointed pike-like snout.How cute are they?From the description and photos of these barracuda species, you might get the idea that they are not at all cute. Only the color combination might be luring, but if you check out their eating habits, then, of course, they are not cute.How do they communicate?These barracudas species with yellow tails are often seen communicating with their physical gestures. From one of the photos, it was evident that while a large school of fish was being attacked, they created a tornado-like school in order to confuse the predator.How big is a yellowtail barracuda?The yellowtail barracuda, Sphyraena flavicauda, is 13.7-23.6 in (35-60 cm) long in length. The yellowtail barracuda size varies along with weight. From the photo, they appear to be pretty small in length.How fast can a yellowtail barracuda swim?These barracuda fish species are fast swimmers with an average speed of 24.9 mph (40 kph). They are seen swimming fast with quick movements under reefs and while hunting for food. The tail and narrow body help them to swim fast.How much does a yellowtail barracuda weigh?The weight of Sphyraena flavicauda is 160-208 oz (4.5-5.8 kg). They can weigh more or less. From the description of barracudas, the females are believed to be larger than the males.What are the male and female names of the species?There is no such specific name given to the male and female species.What would you call a baby yellowtail barracuda?The babies of yellowtail barracuda are called larvae when they hatch out of the floating eggs on the water surface.What do they eat?These barracuda fish species are well known as scavengers and carnivores. The yellowtail barracuda eating is more prominently spotted at night in search of food and is nocturnal. The food they feed on is shrimp, worms like flatworms, tapeworms, copepods, and small fish. Large fish, sharks, and killer whales are some of the barracuda predators.Are they dangerous?No, they are not dangerous, but some precautions need to be taken into consideration while these fish species are around. They get attracted to metallic and shiny objects. So, swimmers must take care while swimming around schools of juvenile fish. There is very little evidence available in the context of their attack on humans and this marine species appears to be calm. However, it is wise to be cautious as they can be dangerous and kill you.Would they make a good pet?Yes, they would make good pets. They are even used for commercial purposes in the fishing markets. Many times, they are kept in large aquariums. The yellowtail barracuda tankmates must be other species of their own kind with a limited number of three and keeping them with small fishes would not be a good idea. The length and size of other fishes must be taken into consideration to avoid any harm.Did you know…The yellowtail barracuda fish species are well known in the commercial fishing market. Commercial fishermen hunt and search for these fish along with other fishes. They even cause a threat to these species.This species was first described by the German naturalist Wilhelm Peter Eduard Simon Rüppell in 1838.There are 26 species of barracuda and the great barracuda, with the scientific name Sphyraena barracuda, is the largest barracuda in length among all species. The barracudas are also known as the ’tigers of the sea’.Can you eat yellowtail barracuda?Yes, yellowtail barracuda fish can be eaten as they are not venomous. From different resources, it is evident that this fish species tastes good.Is barracuda nocturnal?Yes, almost all barracuda species are nocturnal because they mostly hunt or search for food at night.Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! For more relatable content, check out these African lungfish interesting facts and lionfish fun facts for kids.You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable yellowtail barracuda coloring pages.
What type of animal is a yellowtail barracuda?
The yellowtail barracudas are long, narrow-body shaped fish with a wide range of distribution from the Red Sea to Samoa. The scientific name of this species is Sphyraena flavicauda. They are most of the time compared with pike fish, as these two fish species have a long pointed snout. These freshwater are smaller among barracuda species. Their name comes from their yellow tail.
Fun Yellowtail Barracuda Facts For Kids
What do they prey on? Tapeworm, flatworms, copepod, shrimps, small fish
What do they eat? Carnivore and scavenger
Average litter size? 0.3 million eggs
How much do they weigh? 160-208 oz (4.5-5.8 kg)
How long are they? 13.7-23.6 in (35-60 cm)
How tall are they? N/A
What do they look like? Yellow, gray, black, white
Skin Type Scales
What were their main threats? Humans, Sharks, Whales
What is their conservation status? Least Concern
Where you’ll find them? Lagoons, Tropical Water, Coral And Rocky Reef
Locations Australia, Mediterranean, Indo-pacific Region, Red Sea, Great Barrier Reef
Kingdom Animalia
Genus Sphyraenidae
Class Actinopterygii
Family Sphyraenidae
Fun Yellowtail Barracuda Facts For Kids
What do they prey on? Tapeworm, flatworms, copepod, shrimps, small fish
What do they eat? Carnivore and scavenger
Average litter size? 0.3 million eggs
How much do they weigh? 160-208 oz (4.5-5.8 kg)
How long are they? 13.7-23.6 in (35-60 cm)
How tall are they? N/A
What do they look like? Yellow, gray, black, white
Skin Type Scales
What were their main threats? Humans, Sharks, Whales
What is their conservation status? Least Concern
Where you’ll find them? Lagoons, Tropical Water, Coral And Rocky Reef
Locations Australia, Mediterranean, Indo-pacific Region, Red Sea, Great Barrier Reef
Kingdom Animalia
Genus Sphyraenidae
Class Actinopterygii
Family Sphyraenidae
Fun Yellowtail Barracuda Facts For Kids
What do they prey on? Tapeworm, flatworms, copepod, shrimps, small fish
What do they eat? Carnivore and scavenger
Average litter size? 0.3 million eggs
How much do they weigh? 160-208 oz (4.5-5.8 kg)
How long are they? 13.7-23.6 in (35-60 cm)
How tall are they? N/A
What do they look like? Yellow, gray, black, white
Skin Type Scales
What were their main threats? Humans, Sharks, Whales
What is their conservation status? Least Concern
Where you’ll find them? Lagoons, Tropical Water, Coral And Rocky Reef
Locations Australia, Mediterranean, Indo-pacific Region, Red Sea, Great Barrier Reef
Kingdom Animalia
Genus Sphyraenidae
Class Actinopterygii
Family Sphyraenidae
Fun Yellowtail Barracuda Facts For Kids
What do they prey on? Tapeworm, flatworms, copepod, shrimps, small fish
What do they eat? Carnivore and scavenger
Average litter size? 0.3 million eggs
How much do they weigh? 160-208 oz (4.5-5.8 kg)
How long are they? 13.7-23.6 in (35-60 cm)
How tall are they? N/A
What do they look like? Yellow, gray, black, white
Skin Type Scales
What were their main threats? Humans, Sharks, Whales
What is their conservation status? Least Concern
Where you’ll find them? Lagoons, Tropical Water, Coral And Rocky Reef
Locations Australia, Mediterranean, Indo-pacific Region, Red Sea, Great Barrier Reef
Kingdom Animalia
Genus Sphyraenidae
Class Actinopterygii
Family Sphyraenidae
What do they prey on? Tapeworm, flatworms, copepod, shrimps, small fish
What do they eat? Carnivore and scavenger
Average litter size? 0.3 million eggs
How much do they weigh? 160-208 oz (4.5-5.8 kg)
How long are they? 13.7-23.6 in (35-60 cm)
How tall are they? N/A
What do they look like? Yellow, gray, black, white
Skin Type Scales
What were their main threats? Humans, Sharks, Whales
What is their conservation status? Least Concern
Where you’ll find them? Lagoons, Tropical Water, Coral And Rocky Reef
Locations Australia, Mediterranean, Indo-pacific Region, Red Sea, Great Barrier Reef
Kingdom Animalia
Genus Sphyraenidae
Class Actinopterygii
Family Sphyraenidae
What do they prey on? Tapeworm, flatworms, copepod, shrimps, small fish
What do they eat? Carnivore and scavenger
Average litter size? 0.3 million eggs
How much do they weigh? 160-208 oz (4.5-5.8 kg)
How long are they? 13.7-23.6 in (35-60 cm)
How tall are they? N/A
What do they look like? Yellow, gray, black, white
Skin Type Scales
What were their main threats? Humans, Sharks, Whales
What is their conservation status? Least Concern
What do they prey on?
Tapeworm, flatworms, copepod, shrimps, small fish
What do they eat?
Carnivore and scavenger
Average litter size?
0.3 million eggs
How much do they weigh?
160-208 oz (4.5-5.8 kg)
How long are they?
13.7-23.6 in (35-60 cm)
How tall are they?
N/A
What do they look like?
Yellow, gray, black, white
Skin Type
Scales
What were their main threats?
Humans, Sharks, Whales
What is their conservation status?
Least Concern
Where you’ll find them? Lagoons, Tropical Water, Coral And Rocky Reef
Locations Australia, Mediterranean, Indo-pacific Region, Red Sea, Great Barrier Reef
Kingdom Animalia
Genus Sphyraenidae
Class Actinopterygii
Family Sphyraenidae
Where you’ll find them?
Lagoons, Tropical Water, Coral And Rocky Reef
Locations
Australia, Mediterranean, Indo-pacific Region, Red Sea, Great Barrier Reef
Kingdom Animalia
Genus Sphyraenidae
Kingdom
Animalia
Genus
Sphyraenidae
Class Actinopterygii
Family Sphyraenidae
