Family Paralepididae

Barracudinas

Selected Characters: Body elongate; mouth large; anal fin longer than dorsal fin; adipose fin present; scales cycloid, easily lost.

This is a family of elongate, predatory fishes found in the world's oceans from the Arctic to the Antarctic, usually in midwater. They are preyed upon by whales and by fishes such as salmon. Of the approximately 56 species in this family, one is found in Puget Sound. The Ribbon Barracudina can be up to about 25 cm long and is uncommon in the Sound.

Puget Sound Species

Notolepis rissoi Ribbon Barracudina