Blackfin barracuda

The blackfin barracuda (Sphyraena qenie), also known as the chevron barracuda, is known for its aggressive, predatory personality.

Habitat

It is typically encountered on coral reefs down to 50 m (160 ft) where it forms large schools. During the hours of late afternoon through dusk, S. qenie leaves the reefs to feed, going to relatively deep waters to find its prey.

Distribution

This species of barracuda ranges from the Red Sea and East Africa to the Indo and Western Pacific and as far as French Polynesia and typically live in tropical and temperate waters. The Indo-Pacific Ocean has tropical and subtropical waters that make it a favorable habitat for S. qenie. The first sighting of this species in Indian waters was in 1966.

Although rare, this species can also be found in the tropical East Pacific.

In Japan, they can be found in the waters around Ryukyu, Amami Oshima, Yonaguni, Tanega, and Ishigaki Islands. For Ryukyu Island, only the adults migrate there from tropical waters when temperatures are too high. Additionally, during the summer seasons, they have also been spotted near Okinoerabu Island waters from July to October.