Great Barracuda vs Greater Amberjack
Sphyraena barracuda compared with Seriola dumerili
Taxonomy & Classification
| Attribute | Great Barracuda | Greater Amberjack |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Sphyraena barracuda | Seriola dumerili |
| Order | Perciformes | Carangiformes |
| Family | Sphyraenidae | Carangidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Physical Traits
| Attribute | Great Barracuda | Greater Amberjack |
|---|---|---|
| Max Length | 200.0 cm | 200.0 cm |
| Max Weight | 50.0 kg | 80.6 kg |
| Color | Steel-gray to dark gunmetal-blue back with a pale silvery-white belly; scattered irregular dark blotches on the lower flanks; tail fin is grayish with whitish tips on both lobes. | Olive-green to bluish back with a wide amber to golden-yellow mid-lateral stripe running from eye to tail; silvery-white belly; a dark diagonal stripe extends from snout through the eye to the dorsal fin. |
Habitat & Environment
| Attribute | Great Barracuda | Greater Amberjack |
|---|---|---|
| Water Type | Saltwater | Saltwater |
| Depth Range | 0-100m | 1-385m |
| Geographic Range | Circumtropical in shallow coastal waters of the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific oceans. Frequents coral reefs, seagrass beds, and estuaries from Florida and the Caribbean to … | Circumglobal in tropical and subtropical waters including the Atlantic, Mediterranean Sea, Indian Ocean, and Pacific. Commonly found around deepwater reefs, rocky outcrops, and offshore oil … |
| Habitat | Pelagic, coral reefs, estuaries | Pelagic, coral reefs |
Fishing Information
| Attribute | Great Barracuda | Greater Amberjack |
|---|---|---|
| Game Fish | Yes | Yes |
| Fight Rating | 7/10 | 9/10 |
| World Record | — | — |
| Mercury Level | — | — |
Cuisine & Edibility
Great Barracuda
Firm, lean white flesh with a mild flavor when small; larger individuals risk ciguatera fish poisoning and are generally avoided. Smaller fish eaten grilled or fried in the Caribbean.
Greater Amberjack
Firm, rich flesh with a moderately strong flavor; can carry parasites in tropical waters, requiring thorough cooking. Good grilled or baked; related to the highly prized Japanese hamachi.
Species Overview
Great Barracuda
The great barracuda is a fearsome-looking predator found in tropical and subtropical oceans. With its torpedo-shaped body, pronounced underbite, and fang-like teeth, it can strike prey at speeds exceeding 58 km/h.
Greater Amberjack
The greater amberjack is the largest of the jacks, known for brutal head-shaking fights and powerful dives toward structure. Found near reefs, wrecks, and offshore platforms in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide.