Barracuda Introduction:

The barracuda is a ray-finned fish known for its large size, fearsome appearance and ferocious behavior. There are more than 20 different species of barracuda that range in size from less than 50 cm to nearly 2 meters in length.

The barracuda is widely spread across the oceans but is more commonly found in the more tropical regions where there is an abundance of food. Although barracudas can be found in the deep ocean, they tend to prefer coastal habitats along continental shelves and close to coral reefs.

Despite the difference in size and color between barracuda species, all species of barracuda have a similar elongated appearance, and pointed head with powerful jaws, containing rows of sharp fang-like teeth used for eating larger prey.

The barracuda is known to be an aggressive and dominant predator, often relying on the surprise tactic in order to catch its prey. Barracudas are also able to swim at over 40 km/h in short bursts which they do to overtake prey that may be trying to swim away. The barracuda is an opportunistic predator, feeding only on other animals in the surrounding water.

The carnivorous barracuda primarily feeds on smaller species of fish, marine invertebrates, crustaceans and squid, which the barracuda usually ambushes with tremendous power.

Barracudas are popular both as food and game fish. They are most often eaten as fillets or steaks. Larger species, such as the great barracuda, have been implicated in cases of ciguatera food poisoning.

Those who have been diagnosed with this type of food poisoning display symptoms of gastrointestinal discomfort, limb weakness, and an inability to differentiate hot from cold effectively.