---
title: Bigeye Barracuda (Sphyraena forsteri)
scientific_name: Sphyraena forsteri
common_name: Bigeye Barracuda
taxon: Barracudas
conservation_status: LC - Least Concern
published: 2024-11-01T13:54:51.582Z
updated: 2026-08-08T21:25:10.321Z
tags: Bigeye Barracuda, Sphyraena forsteri, Barracudas, Red Sea, Marine Life, Diving
url: https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/barracudas/bigeye-barracuda
---

# Bigeye Barracuda (*Sphyraena forsteri*)

## Quick facts

- **Group:** Barracudas (*Sphyraenidae*)
- **Size:** 69 cm
- **Depth:** 1-274 m
- **Activity:** Nocturnal
- **Hazard:** Dangerous
- **Conservation status:** LC - Least Concern

The bigeye barracuda (Sphyraena forsteri) is a member of the Sphyraenidae family, predominantly inhabiting the tropical Indo-West Pacific regions, with the exception of Hawaii.

This species is capable of reaching a length of up to 69 cm (approximately 2.25 feet) and is characterized by its silver coloration and elongated, slender form extending from head to tail. The bigeye barracuda is nocturnal and predominantly feeds on crustaceans, fish, and squid.

Bigeye barracudas typically form large schools and are commonly located in lagoon environments and along outer reef slopes at depths ranging from as shallow as 1.5 meters (5 feet) to as deep as 274 meters (900 feet).

## Also known as

- **English:** bigeye barracuda, Big-eye Sea-pyke, Black-spot Barracuda
- **Arabic:** باراكودا كبيرة العين, Aqam, Edwailmy
- **French:** Bécune de Forster
- **German:** Brustfleck-Barrakuda, Großaugen-Barrakuda
- **Spanish:** Baracuda
- **Portuguese:** Barracuda-olho-de-vidro
- **Czech:** soltýn Forsterův
- **Japanese:** オオメカマス, Omekamasu
- **Chinese:** 大眼金梭魚, 大眼魣, 巴拉庫答
- **Russian:** Белобрюхая барракуда
- **DA:** Storøjet barracuda
- **FIJ:** Dulutoga
- **MSA:** Kucul, Lambana, Pengaluan
- **SMO:** Sapatu
- **SOM:** Zub-saalim
- **SW:** Msusa
- **TGL:** Balyos, Batig, Tursilyo
- **TH:** ปลาน้ำดอกไม้ตาโต

## Scientific synonyms

- *Callosphyraena toxeuma* (Fowler, 1904)
- *Sphyraena forsteni* Cuvier, 1829
- *Sphyraena toxeuma* Fowler, 1904

## Range

Djibouti, Federal Republic of Somalia, Mozambique, Republic of Mauritius, Seychelles, Tanzania

---

*Source: [Red Sea Creatures](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/barracudas/bigeye-barracuda)*
*Updated: August 8, 2026*