Southern sennet (Sphyraena picudilla) is a saltwater species recorded in the United States. It is mainly found over reef, at depths of 1–65 m.
Scientific name: Sphyraena picudilla · Water: Saltwater
Size: up to 61 cm
The southern sennet is a sphyraenid that inhabits coastal waters, found on rocky or coral reefs but more abundant over muddy bottoms, and it often occurs in large schools, sometimes near the surface. Juveniles are encountered in seagrass beds. It is recorded from 1 to 65 m, and it is marketed fresh and frozen. Maximum length is about 61 cm fork length, commonly about 36 cm. It is a minor commercial species and a gamefish, with a medium price category. Fishing vulnerability is moderate to high at 48 of 100 and resilience medium; no IUCN assessment is recorded for it.
Caution: large individuals carry a ciguatera risk. Heat, cold and marinating do not remove the toxin, which concentrates in the liver, roe and head, so avoid eating those parts. Seek medical help if numbness, tingling or a reversed sense of hot and cold follows a meal.
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