In Siquijor the fish markets have a smaller version of the barracuda, locally called "bulatok". I have seen the same in Cebu but under a different name. I am trying to locate the real name for the fish. Its maximum length is about 2 ft, and it is my favorite of all fish. It is so similar in shape and form to barracuda, that I suspect it is a sub species. Anyone know about this fish?
Do they have tiger muskie in the Philippines? That would be a fresh water fish somewhat similar in shape to barracuda. Edit: no they don't have those in Asia. Have a look at this page and see if you recognize any of them. https://animalsake.com/types-of-barracuda-fish If you can identify maybe someone can translate.
Could this just be a juvenile barracuda? Or maybe a Long nosed Lancetfish? Generally two types of barracuda in these waters, “Great” or “Big eye”. They look similar. I’ll ask ‘er indoors, but I’ve never heard her, or the market girls in Siquijor market refer to “bulatok” for ‘cuda. I know it as the “panghalwan”. But then again I am known for getting things wrong. Fun fact, there have only been 10 or so recorded attacks by cuda on humans. I saw one of them on a night dive once years ago. Negative buoyancy entry as it was a bit rough, the moon was out and the ‘cuda hit the divers mask. I think the moon’s shine must have made either the steel rim glint (it was years ago) or caught the plastic and reflected it. Cuda are like Magpies, they like shiny stuff. The guy might even have even been wearing a ring. It made a mess of the poor guys hand (loadsa stitches) as he was holding his mask in place. Thankfully no eye damage. Dive aborted. Good luck with your fish names, as I say I’ll ask. Cheers. C.
In the uk we call them garfish and dont eat them,they have green bones and come in when the mackeral are around. Locally they are called needlefish.
Garfish are fresh and brackish water fish. In Texas, they are called "Texas minnows". Not in any way are they related to barracudas.
I will try to take a photo of the fish when I go to the market again. I do not believe they are juvenile barracuda since they do not have the typical strip pattern. And the locals indicate they are not barracuda. I will do more research in the hope of coming to some conclusion.