Barracuda is known as the sea pike, but they aren’t related to other pike or members of the Esox genus. They have elongated like-like shapes with pointy heads and rows of sharp teeth. Barracuda are ferocious and attack prey at top speeds, making them dangerous, even to humans. On the other hand, pike are the most popular members of the Esox genus and are closely related to pickerel and musky. Here’s an overview of the differences between pike and barracuda fish species. Keep reading for Pike vs Barracuda
Different Types of Pike
Pike is often used in reference to the Northern Pike (Esox lucius). However, there are two other species in the Esox genus that qualify as pike. These are the southern pike (Esox flaviae) and Amur pike (Esox reichertii). The northern pike is a freshwater fish native to the Holarctic region of North America, Russia and parts of Europe. Southern pike refers to species found in southern Europe, while Amur pike are only found in River Amur in East Asia.
Pike are known for their ferocious behaviour and carnivorous diet. They’ll eat anything from small crustaceans to other pikes if it fits their mouth. However, their aggression doesn’t come any close to a barracuda’s. Pike can grow to 120 cm, but most average at 55 cm. They reside in dark, shaded parts of freshwater lakes, rivers and brackish waters. They are also popular in farms and ponds because they grow faster and to a bigger size. Pike are closely related to chain pickerel and musky, which are members of the Esox genus.
Different Types of Barracuda
Barracuda are members of the Sphyraena genus of the family Sphyraenidae. Unlike pike, they are saltwater dwellers found in tropical and subtropical oceans around the world. Barracuda are widespread across the Atlantic Ocean, Red Sea, Caribbean Sea, and the Pacific Ocean. They tend to hang out near the top in waters rich with coral reefs. Sphyraena is the sole genus in the family, which makes barracudas a favourite among sports fishing enthusiasts. It is known for its snake-like appearance and fang-like tooth.
There are about 28 species of barracudas, most of which refer to the different locations they are found, and distinct physical attributes. Some species grow to become large six-foot predators, and such great barracudas have been reported to attack humans on rare occasions. They rely on short bursts of speed and sharp teeth that cut into prey, usually fish and other aquatic animals that can fit in their mouth. Barracudas also travel in groups, known as a battery. Some of the popular species include:
- Sphyraena barracuda – Great/giant barracuda
- Sphyraena argentea – Pacific barracuda
- Sphyraena sphyraena – European barracuda
- Sphyraena pinguis – Red barracuda
- Sphyraena enesis – Mexixan barracuda
- Sphyraena novaehollandiae – Australian barracuda
Pike Vs. Barracuda Main Differences
Pike and barracuda are easy to tell apart. They are found in different genera and families, which means they characterize several distinctions. Here are some of the top differences between a pike and a barracuda:
1.Pike Are Freshwater Fish
Pike and other members of the Esox genus are freshwater fish. Pike are native to the Holarctic region and found in lakes, rivers, creeks and brackish waters in North America, Russia, and Europe. On the other hand, barracuda are sea dwellers and spend all their lives in salty waters. They are found along coral reefs in warmer waters across North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and South America. As such, if you catch any fish in freshwaters, it certainly isn’t a barracuda. Similarly, if your catch is from the ocean or saltwater seas, it couldn’t possibly be pike. The difference in natural habitat also means pike and barracuda have a significant disparity in their meal options. However, they share some food, such as small aquatic invertebrates and a preference for other fish species. Both species are ferocious predators, relying on their fast ambush in pursuit of prey.
2.Barracuda Are Bigger
Barracuda can grow to more than 200 cm, which is pretty large compared to pike. The European pike are the largest of all pike species. They average at 55 to 60 cm and reach 30 to 50 pounds. The largest pike recorded was 120 cm, which is significantly larger than the average population. However, this isn’t as nearly frightening as the size of a giant barracuda. The longest ever recorded was 6.6 feet long, while the largest weighed 103 pounds. The size difference is partly because of the food available in the immediate surroundings. More about pike and barracuda feeding habits are covered in the sections below.
3.Barracuda Are Ferocious Predators
Barracuda are known for their vicious attacks on prey. They can reach speeds of up to 27 miles per hour, a significant leap from the 15 mph pike characterize when pursuing prey. Barracuda hunt in groups, just like pike. They are also ambush predators known for swift aggression and swimming at peak speeds for short distances. Their pointed heads and slender frame also give them a boost when chasing down prey. Barracuda attacks on humans are rare but more common than pike attacks. Indeed, the great barracuda has been reported to bite anglers and, on occasion, swimmers. This is likely to happen in murky waters when the barracuda mistakes you for natural prey like fish. As such, you should avoid swimming with brightly coloured bracelets and colourful gear. Spearfishing close to a battery of barracudas is also ill-advised. Pike will often bite anglers when taken out of water.
4.Differences in Physical Characteristics
Size and shape aside, pike and barracuda have many distinct physical attributes. Pike are generally slender with a streamlined body and olive greenish colouration. Some species are darker, while others have coloured fins and unique patterns with yellow to white bellies. On the other hand, barracuda are easily identified by their pointed heads and sharp-edged teeth that come in all sizes. Barracudas also have an underbite, with fang-like teeth pointed in different directions. Most barracuda species have a dark grey/green upper body with silvery sides and while belly. Some species are white or blue, like the great barracuda, and most have very few markings. Conversely, pike tend to have many spots, patterns and colouration. Some have green endings on the tail fin with amber hues, while others are red with spotted fins.
5. Feeding Distinctions
Pike eat anything small enough to fit in the mouth, including planktons, crustaceans, aquatic insects, and smaller fish species. Adult pike can eat smaller pikes, frogs, and other fish species, which is their most preferred meal. They can also nibble aquatic vegetation. Pike have sharp backward-pointing teeth that hold prey caught following an ambush. On the other hand, barracuda are fierce hunters that attack and kill larger prey by tearing off junks of flesh. They have been shown to compete with dolphins, mackerel and needlefish for prey. Like pike, they ambush prey but have a stronger bite force. Barracuda can bite grunts, snappers, mullets, anchovies, and small tunas in half.
Summary
Pike and barracuda are popular both as meals and game fish. Although barracudas have a pike-like shape, they are members of a different genus and characterize many unique traits that northern pike lack. What’s more, they are found in different waters and have few similarities beyond their slender frame. It is also worth noting that pike are found in the northern hemisphere while barracudas roam oceans worldwide.
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