COMMON MARINE FISHES 



55 



BARRACUDA 

 Sphyraena orgentea 



Relationship: The only member of the barracuda family, Sphyraenitlae, found 

 in California waters. 



Distinguishing Characters: The slender, cigar-shaped body; the pointed lower 

 jaw which extends beyond the upper ; the strong, unequal teeth ; the two well-separated 

 dorsal fins, the first composed of spines, the second of one spine and soft rays ; the 

 presence of a lateral line. Length to about four feet and weight to 10 or 12 pounds. 

 Color: Brownish with a blue tinge to metallic blackish gray above; silvery to whitish 

 on the sides and underparts ; tail yellowish. 



Distribution: Alaska south into the Gulf of California but not common north 

 of Pt. Conception. Occurs in schools. 



Fishing Season: Reaches a peak in Southern California during the spring and 

 summer, falling ofE to almost nothing in the winter. Taken throughout the year in 

 Mexico with lightest landings during the California season. About half of the 1946 

 commercial catch w^as made in Mexico. 



Importance: One of the most important market species at Los Angeles and San 

 Diego. Sixteenth in both price and volume among the State's commercial fishes in 

 1946. Sold fresh almost exclusively ; small amounts are occasionally smoked or 

 canned. One of our most desirable game fishes ; it was the leading Southern California 

 sport species in total poundage and about equal to "rock bass" in total numbers caught 

 in 1946. The reported sport catch exceeded the commercial in California waters. 



Fishing Gear: Gill nets, poles and live bait, troll lines. Illegal to take in round 

 haul nets in California ; purse seines are used in Mexican waters. Sportsmen usually 

 fish with live bait from boats and from barges and piers. Also caught by jigging or 

 trolling with feather or bone jigs and with plugs. 



Unauthorized Names: Scoots, scooters, snake. 



