Species encyclopedia

Great Barracuda

Sphyraena barracuda

Environment

Barracudas can typically be found in surface water.

Their young circulate in mangroves, estuaries and the sheltered waters of coral reefs. The adults live in a very diverse range of habitats, from the dark waters of ports to the open sea. Barracudas may sometimes form small groups, especially when young.

The adults tend to be solitary creatures. The barracuda’s prominent lower jaw reveals sharp teeth that give it an aggressive demeanour. Its long body makes it an excellent swimmer capable of rapid attacks.

Comportement

It mainly hunts on sight during the day, catching fish, cephalopods and shrimp. This curious fish willingly approaches divers and is only aggressive when provoked.

The great barracuda can reach a maximum of 2 m in length and 50 kg in weight.

The danger of the barracuda lies essentially in ingesting its flesh which can sometimes contain ciguatera, a toxin that comes from microscopic algae growing on coral reefs.

Ocean region

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