Great Barracuda; Picuda 



known by its smaller scales (120 to 130 instead of 75 to 85). 



The picudilla (S. picudilla) is found from Bahia northward 

 to the West Indies, chiefly about the coasts of Cuba. It does 

 not seem to be common anywhere. It reaches a length of 18 

 inches and is closely allied to the northern barracuda, from which 

 it differs, however, in the much larger eye, the smaller teeth, 

 the convex interorbital, and in having the median ridge of the 

 frontal groove well developed. 



The northern barracuda (S. borealis) is the common species 

 on the Atlantic Coast of the United States from Cape Fear to 

 Cape Cod. It is a small species, rarely used as food, and closely 

 resembles S. picudilla. 



The California barracuda (S. argentea) occurs on our Pacific 

 Coast from San Francisco to Cape San Lucas, very common 

 among the Santa Barbara Islands. About Santa Catalina Island 

 and San Diego it is one of the common and important game- 

 fishes. It reaches a length of 4 or 5 feet. It is a long, slender 

 fish, closely related to the European barracuda, from which it 

 appears to differ chiefly in the somewhat greater depth and 

 smaller scales. 



Sphyrcena sphyrcena is the common species on the coasts of 

 Europe and neighbouring islands. Within our limits it has been 

 reported only from the Bermudas. It is known as spet or sennet. 



Trolling for the great barracuda on the Florida coast is a 

 favourite sport. It is done either from a sail-boat or row-boat, 

 and a squid is a choice bait. Or, with boat anchored, they may 

 be taken with tarpon rod and reel, 21 line, and wire snood i^ 

 feet long. For bait use live mullet, spot, grunt, or other small 

 fish. Do not use a sinker; keep the bait on or near the sur- 

 face. When the fish bites, let him run a few feet and strike, 

 then play him until he surrenders. 



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