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Barracuda Facts

Barracuda Facts
Barracuda is a type of marine fish. There are around 20 species of barracuda that can be found in the oceans throughout the world. Majority of species live in warm, tropical and subtropical waters. Barracuda can be seen in different parts of the ocean: near the coral reefs, in the open sea, in the shallow water of mangrove forests and on the depth of up to 325 feet. Major threats for their survival are recreational fishing and killing due to barracuda's delicious meat. Luckily, number of barracudas in the wild is stable and they are not on the list of endangered species.
Interesting Barracuda Facts:
Barracudas vary in size, depending on the species. Largest species of barracuda can reach 6 feet in length and weigh up to 103 pounds.
Upper part of the body is covered with scales that can be black, brown, grey or blue in color. Belly is always white. Irregular dark spots are located on both sides of the body.
Barracuda has elongated body with pointed head. It has two dorsal fins and tail fin shaped like a fork.
Barracuda has very sharp, dagger-like teeth which prevent slipping of the prey from the mouth.
Barracuda's diet consists of different types of fish: groupers, anchovies, mullets, snappers… Besides fish, barracuda sometimes eats squids and crustaceans.
Shiny objects attract barracuda's attention. Because of that, barracuda usually hunts fish with golden or silver scales.
Barracuda is known as dangerous fish that can attack divers without any obvious reason.
Barracuda can act as an ambush predator that attacks using the factor of surprise. When there is no place to hide, barracuda will chase its prey actively.
Barracuda is nocturnal animal (active during the night).
Barracuda can swim at the speed of 25 miles per hour. This feature is useful both for hunting and for escape from predators.
Even though barracuda is one of the greatest predators in the sea, it can be prey of some large marine animals. Biggest enemies of barracuda are killer whales and sharks.
Barracuda prefers solitary life, but it sometimes gathers in groups called "schools". Life in a group provides safety and facilitates hunting (group of barracuda hunts cooperatively).
Mating season of barracudas takes place in the spring. Males and females release eggs and sperm cells in the water where they will combine to form fertilized eggs. Females produce and release more than 1000 eggs but only few eggs will manage to survive until the adulthood.
Barracuda's age can be determined by counting the rings on the scales and on the otolith (structure in the inner ear). Number of rings matches the age of the fish.
Barracuda can survive from 10 to 15 years in the wild.


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