Depth
Sphyraena · Bony Fish

Yellowmouth Barracuda

Sphyraena viridensis

0-40m
Depth Range
Variable
Max Size
Mediterranean
Distribution
0-40m
Depth Range
Variable
Max Size
Reef & Open
Habitat
Carnivore
Diet
Solitary
Social
LC
IUCN Status
Low
Sighting Likelihood
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Actinopterygii
Genus Sphyraena
Species viridensis

Bony Fish

Identification & Biology

  • IdentificationLarge, elongated, torpedo-shaped body built for explosive speed. Silver-grey body with faint dark chevron markings on the flanks. Large mouth with prominent teeth. Lower jaw has a yellowish tint inside.
  • SizeUp to 165 cm total length, commonly 50 to 100 cm.
  • Social HabitFound in schools as juveniles, becoming more solitary with age. Schools sometimes spiral in cylinder formations.
  • HabitatCoastal and offshore waters near reefs, wrecks, and drop-offs. Pelagic and fast-moving.
  • DepthSurface to 100 m, most common between 5 and 40 m.
  • Feeds OnFish including mullet, sardines, and damselfish. A fast, powerful ambush predator that strikes with extreme speed.
  • DistributionEastern Atlantic from Portugal to West Africa, including the entire Mediterranean Sea.
  • DescriptionThe Mediterranean's barracuda, an impressive predator that patrols reef edges and wreck sites. Schools of juvenile barracuda are a common sight at many Maltese dive sites, sometimes forming mesmerising spiral formations. Adults are solitary hunters capable of explosive bursts of speed. Despite their fearsome reputation, they pose no threat to divers.

Range

Habitat & Distribution

Found across the Mediterranean, inhabiting reef & open environments. Active from the surface down to 40m depth.

Where Malta divers have spotted this species

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Sightings are logged by divers using our What Did You See? dive-log tool. View the full live sightings map.

Detail

Preferred Environment

Reef & Open habitats, typically at depths of 0-40m. Most commonly encountered by divers at the shallower end of its range.

Encounter Tips

Best approached slowly and calmly. Avoid casting shadows directly over the animal. Neutral buoyancy and patience increase encounter success significantly.

Yellowmouth Barracuda species card

Biology

Behaviour & Diet

Feeding Strategy

A fast pursuit predator that hunts schools of small fish using explosive acceleration. Targets silverside, bogue and other shoaling species.

Active predator

Reproduction

Spawns pelagic eggs in open water during the warmer months. Juveniles shelter in shallow, protected areas.

Pelagic spawner

Behaviour & Defence

Speed and large adult size provide the main defence. Schools in large numbers, which may also serve a cooperative hunting function.

Speed

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Where to Encounter in Malta

The following dive sites offer strong habitat match for Sphyraena viridensis. All are accessible on a guided dive with diveshack.

5-30m
North Malta

Cirkewwa

Rocky reef with caves, arches and ledges hosting a rich diversity of reef species.

View dive site ›
5-50m
Gozo

Blue Hole

One of the Med's most famous reef dive sites. Rocky walls and archways covered in life.

View dive site ›
18-36m
South Malta

Um El Faroud

The wreck lies on a sandy bottom surrounded by rocky reef -- a diverse habitat attracting reef species.

View dive site ›
IUCN Red List Least Concern

Conservation Status

This species is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Mediterranean populations face ongoing pressure from fishing activity, habitat degradation, and climate-driven changes to prey availability.

Source: iNaturalist Guide #888
by Lesley Clements (CC BY-SA)
diveshack Mediterranean Marine Life guide