Top Mexican Barracuda Fishing Countries

The Mexican barracuda (Sphyraena ensis), also known as the Pacific barracuda, is a sleek, predatory fish found along the Pacific coasts from southern California to Peru, with a notable presence in Mexican waters. Characterized by its elongated body, sharp teeth, and silvery coloration, this species is both a popular target for sport anglers and a valued catch in commercial fisheries. The primary countries harvesting Mexican barracuda include Mexico, which boasts the most significant fisheries due to the species’ abundance in the Gulf of California and along the Pacific coast, as well as smaller-scale fisheries in Guatemala, El Salvador, and Peru. In Mexico, barracuda is caught using various methods such as gillnets and hook-and-line, and is sold fresh in local markets or used as bait for larger game fish. While not as heavily exploited as some other commercial species, the Mexican barracuda supports local economies and recreational fishing industries across its range.

Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.