Great Barracuda vs Wahoo
Sphyraena barracuda compared with Acanthocybium solandri
Taxonomy & Classification
| Attribute | Great Barracuda | Wahoo |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Sphyraena barracuda | Acanthocybium solandri |
| Order | Perciformes | Scombriformes |
| Family | Sphyraenidae | Scombridae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Physical Traits
| Attribute | Great Barracuda | Wahoo |
|---|---|---|
| Max Length | 200.0 cm | 250.0 cm |
| Max Weight | 50.0 kg | 83.0 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. | Iridescent dark blue-green back with a silvery-white belly; distinct blue or grey vertical tiger-like bars and spots along the flanks that fade quickly after death; fins dusky. |
Habitat & Environment
| Attribute | Great Barracuda | Wahoo |
|---|---|---|
| Water Type | Saltwater | Saltwater |
| Depth Range | 0-100m | 0-20m |
| 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 of all major ocean basins. Favors clear offshore waters around oceanic islands, reef drop-offs, and current edges in the … |
| Habitat | Pelagic, coral reefs, estuaries | Pelagic |
Fishing Information
| Attribute | Great Barracuda | Wahoo |
|---|---|---|
| Game Fish | Yes | Yes |
| Fight Rating | 7/10 | 8/10 |
| 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.
Wahoo
Delicate, flaky white flesh with a mild, sweet flavor and very low fat. Among the finest-tasting sport fish; best grilled, seared, or served as ceviche to preserve its subtle flavor.
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.
Wahoo
The wahoo is one of the fastest fish in the ocean, capable of reaching speeds of 97 km/h. Its elongated, torpedo-shaped body and razor-sharp teeth make it an efficient pelagic predator found in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide.