The body of a Barracuda is built
for speed and it is estimated that the
top speed is as fast
as 36 mph!

Sphyraena Barracuda

Description • The Great Barracuda are bold and inquisitive and are easily recognizable by their long compressed body. They can grow up to 6 feet in length and weigh up to 100 pounds, howevver any Barracuda over 4.8 feet can be considered very large. They also have a large mouth with a lower jaw that juts out. The two rows of razor-sharp teeth give prey little chance of escape.

Habitat • Barracudas live in nearshore coral reefs as well as brackish estuaries where the young can be found amongst mangrove areas. However they may also be found in open ocean.

Diet • Barracudas are active by day and locate their prey largely by sight. They primarily eat smaller fish such as mullets and squid. They have a large gape or mouth opening to swallow small victims whole. Larger prey is either cut in half or into pieces to be swallowed separately.