Distinguishing Characteristics |
Body elongate, slightly compressed; green to gray on back, silvery on sides and below; faint golden longitudinal stripe; young with 3 encircling bands on posterior end; lower jaw projecting beyond upper jaw; large teeth, directed backwards; area between eyes convex; dorsal, anal and caudal fins with dark tips in adults, upper jaw extending past anterior margin of eye in adults; last ray of anal and 2nd dorsal fins elongate; pectoral fin reaching to or beyond origin of pelvic fin; no fleshy tip on lower jaw. |
Similar Species |
Barracudas have vertical teeth, dark fins with white tips, usually blotches on lower posterior end, no stripe; in the northern sennet, the upper jaw does not reach the anterior margin of eye and it has a fleshy tip on lower jaw. |
Habitat |
Shallow Gulf, prefers muddy bottoms, often found near river estuaries |
Maximum Size |
100 cm (3 1/3 ft), common to 70 cm (27 1/2 in) |
Fin Element Counts |
D. V+I,9; A. II,7-8 (explain) |
Other Common Names |
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Previous Scientific Names |
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Comments |
Marketed commercially; has never been associated with any poisonings (as with the great barracuda). |
State size/bag limits |
None; Check for state record. |