{ Bar`ra*cu"da (&?;), Bar`ra*cou"ta (&?;), } n. 1. (Zoöl.) A voracious, pikelike, marine fish, of the genus Sphyræna, sometimes used as food.

&fist; That of Europe and our Atlantic coast is Sphyræna spet (or S. vulgaris); a southern species is S. picuda; the Californian is S. argentea.

2. (Zoöl.) A large edible fresh-water fish of Australia and New Zealand (Thyrsites atun).

Bar`ra*cu"da (?), n. [Native name.] Any of several voracious pikelike marine fishes allied to the gray mullets, constituting the genus Sphyræna and family Sphyrænidæ. The great barracuda (S. barracuda) of the West Indies, Florida, etc., is often six feet or more long, and as dangerous as a shark. In Cuba its flesh is reputed to be poisonous. S. Argentea of the Pacific coast and S. sphyræna of Europe are smaller species, and are used as food.

Bar`ra*cu"da (?), n. [Native name.] Any of several voracious pikelike marine fishes allied to the gray mullets, constituting the genus Sphyræna and family Sphyrænidæ. The great barracuda (S. barracuda) of the West Indies, Florida, etc., is often six feet or more long, and as dangerous as a shark. In Cuba its flesh is reputed to be poisonous. S. Argentea of the Pacific coast and S. sphyræna of Europe are smaller species, and are used as food.

• Any large marine fish of the genus Sphyraenus that have elongated bodies, a projecting lower jaw and displaying prominent fang-shaped teeth.