The Barracuda and the Silversides

We deal here with the families Sphyraenidae and Atherinidae, those of the barracudas and the silversides respectively. They usually appear together in scientific lists, because of structural resemblances, but the conjunction is an odd one since the barracudas are mostly large and have a reputation for ferocity, which they deserve, while the silversides are small and timorous fish, which swim around in nervous shoals, hoping not to be eaten.

Sphyraena was the classical Greek name for the barracuda, and sudis, meaning a pointed stake, was the Latin name. The French name spet and the similar Spanish name maintain the sense of the Latin name.