The Southern Sennet, scientifically known as Sphyraena picudilla, is a species of barracuda found in the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean. This predatory fish is a common sight in the coastal regions of its range and is recognized for its elongated body and sharp teeth.
Description & Characteristics
The Southern Sennet is a slender, streamlined fish with a long, pointed snout. It has a distinctive dorsal fin that is divided into two parts, with the first part being short and the second part being longer and more pointed. The body is covered in small, smooth scales, and the coloration is typically silvery-grey on the back, fading to a lighter shade on the belly. Sphyraena picudilla has a maximum recorded size of 61.0 cm, making it a relatively small species of barracuda.
Habitat and Occurrence
Sphyraena picudilla is a common inhabitant of coastal waters, typically found in depths ranging from 1.0 to 65.0 meters. This species is generally associated with rocky reefs, seagrass beds, and sandy bottoms, where it can find suitable prey and shelter. The Southern Sennet’s distribution extends across the Atlantic Ocean, including the eastern coast of South America, the Caribbean Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico. This species can be found in a variety of marine zones, including the Neritic zone, which encompasses the coastal waters, as well as the Epipelagic zone, which extends from the surface to a depth of 200 meters.
Taxonomy
The species Sphyraena picudilla belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Carangaria incertae sedis, and Family: Sphyraenidae. This family, known as the barracuda family, contains a variety of predatory fish characterized by their elongated bodies, powerful jaws, and sharp teeth. The Teleostei class encompasses most of the bony fishes, representing a diverse group with a wide range of adaptations.
Feeding
Sphyraena picudilla is a predatory fish that feeds primarily on smaller fishes. Its sharp teeth and powerful jaws allow it to quickly seize and subdue prey, which it typically hunts in ambush. The diet of the Southern Sennet varies depending on its location, but generally includes a wide variety of small fishes, crustaceans, and cephalopods.
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