The Heller’s barracuda (Sphyraena helleri) is a slender, predatory fish found primarily in the tropical and subtropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region, including the Red Sea, East Africa, and as far east as Hawaii. Recognized for its elongated body and sharp teeth, this barracuda species is sought after both for local consumption and as a game fish. The top countries harvesting Heller's barracuda include Indonesia, the Philippines, India, and Sri Lanka, where artisanal and small-scale commercial fisheries target them using nets and lines. In these regions, Heller’s barracuda contributes to local diets and the fishing economy, though it is less prominent in international seafood trade compared to larger barracuda species. Sustainable management is important, as barracuda populations can be sensitive to overfishing due to their role as apex predators in reef ecosystems.
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Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.