Guinean Barracuda
[Kuta (Nigeria); Sphyraena afra]
This predatory fish can be found from just south of Morocco all the way
around to northern Namibia. It can grow to 80 inches and 100 pounds, but
is more commonly 40 inches (100 cm). It is a minor commercial fish, caught
with low-tech fishing gear, Nigeria accounting for most of the catch. This
fish does not generally present a Ciguatera risk, but being a Mackerel, it
does still present a Scombroid
risk if mishandled. This fish can take care of itself and is IUNC Red List
LC (Least Concern).
Photo by Jeff Camrrubi (cropped) published under license
Creative Commons
Attribution-NonCommercial v3.0 Unported.
More on Barracuda.
Preparation & Cooking
See
Pacific Barracuda for details.
Kuta
West Africa is traditionally lacking ice or refrigeration, so most fish
is Smoke Dried. Fish so processed are very popular in West Africa to flavor
soups and stews. Small ones are smoked whole and look very fierce, but large
ones have to be cut up before smoking. Fortunately, the coast of West Africa
is not a reef environment, so even large Barracuda should be safe to eat.
The photo specimen was a chunk 7 inches long and weighing 14-3/4 ounces. It
was purchased on-line for 2018 US $14.99 / pound.
More on Smoke Dried Fish.
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