Sawtooth Barracuda (Kala Kund)

Introduction

Dfresh Seafood brings you Sawtooth Barracuda – Kala Kund, one of the most abundant seafood varieties landing daily at Karachi Fish Harbor. Known as the best budget fish with stable supply and prices year‑round, Kala Kund is trusted for everyday cooking. Its raw meat has a pinkish tone with light grey edges, while proper handling and storage keep this delicate fish fresh. Famous across Pakistan, Sawtooth Barracuda is a favorite for frying at roadside seafood joints.

Flavor Profile

The flesh of Kala Kund fish is light in color, and light-medium in taste, with a quite pleasant flavor. There is a very dark strip down the centerline just under the skin, with a considerably darker flavor, but it is not unpleasant.

Nomenclature

• English Name: Sawtooth barracuda, Black barracuda
• Local Name: Kala Kund, Kund
• Scientific Name: Sphyraena_putnamae

Habitat

Sawtooth Barracuda (Kala Kund) is a Sea fish that mainly lives in clear waters in the vicinity of coral reefs. It can be seen during the day in large semi-stationary schools.

Catching Method

Sawtooth Barracuda (Kala Kund) is caught using Gillnets, Hook lines, and Bottom Trawling. 

Physical Attributes

Sawtooth Barracuda has Scales on the body. The last ray of the 2nd dorsal fin does not elongate in comparison to the penultimate ray and lower jaw without a pointed fleshy tip with 123–136 pored lateral line scales.

Color

Body with 18–22 vertical or slightly curved dark crossbars extending well below the lateral line with crossbars slightly wider than interspaces.

Size

On average, the Sawtooth Barracuda size range is 1 kg to 5 kg per fish. However, other sizes are also occasionally available.

Cutting Preferences

At Dfresh Seafood, Sawtooth Barracuda – Kala Kund is preferred for Slices.

Approx. Cutting Yields

• Whole: 100 %
• Gutted: 78 %
• Headless and Gutted: 69 %
• Slices: 70 %
• Boneless: 47 %

Cooking Preferences

Sawtooth Barracuda – Kala Kund is a favorite in Pakistani kitchens for frying, curries, and roadside seafood joints. Its firm flesh and bold flavor make it perfect for Lahori Fried Fish, spicy masala curries, and even fish biryani. In Karachi and Lahore, Kala Kund is often deep‑fried with chaat masala, while households prepare it in traditional curry styles. For authentic inspiration, explore Pakistani Fish Curry Recipe on Food.com.

Health Benefits

Kala Kund is a lean fish packed with protein and omega‑3 fatty acids. It helps maintain heart health, supports brain performance, and strengthens bones with vitamin D, B12, selenium, and phosphorus. Regular intake adds energy and overall wellness to everyday meals. For more guidance, see FDA’s Advice About Eating Fish.