Great Barracuda vs Swordfish
Sphyraena barracuda compared with Xiphias gladius
Taxonomy & Classification
| Attribute | Great Barracuda | Swordfish |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Sphyraena barracuda | Xiphias gladius |
| Order | Perciformes | Istiophoriformes |
| Family | Sphyraenidae | Xiphiidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Physical Traits
| Attribute | Great Barracuda | Swordfish |
|---|---|---|
| Max Length | 200.0 cm | 455.0 cm |
| Max Weight | 50.0 kg | 650.0 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. | Dark brown to blackish-purple back contrasting sharply with a pale cream-white belly; sides are dull bronze-brown; large crescent-shaped tail fin is dark; skin scaleless and leathery. |
Habitat & Environment
| Attribute | Great Barracuda | Swordfish |
|---|---|---|
| Water Type | Saltwater | Saltwater |
| Depth Range | 0-100m | 0-2878m |
| 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 … | Cosmopolitan in temperate and tropical oceans worldwide, including the Mediterranean Sea, Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific oceans. Makes deep vertical migrations between surface feeding and depths … |
| Habitat | Pelagic, coral reefs, estuaries | Oceanic and neritic zones worldwide in temperate and tropical seas; surface to 650m. Highly migratory, following prey into cold, productive upwelling zones. Rarely found near … |
Fishing Information
| Attribute | Great Barracuda | Swordfish |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Swordfish
Dense, meaty flesh with a mild, slightly sweet flavor; moderate fat and steak-like texture. Ideal for grilling, broiling, or searing; pairs well with lemon-herb or citrus salsas.
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.
Swordfish
The swordfish is a highly migratory pelagic predator recognized by its long, flat, pointed bill. It can dive to depths exceeding 2,800 meters and possesses a specialized organ that heats its eyes and brain for improved vision in cold, deep water.