The barracuda fish, Known and feared for its large size and ferocious appearance, it is the protagonist of today's article. It is a saltwater fish that, unlike the Sole fish, Belongs to genus Sphyraena, the only genus in the family SphyraenidaeIts correct scientific name is Sphyraena barracuda and, within the common names, in various regions it is known as beaked and, in the scientific field, they are also called sphyrenes.
In this article, we'll explain all of their characteristics, lifestyle, diet, and reproduction. We'll also include information about their distribution, attack speed, relationship with humans and sport fishing aspects, so you have a comprehensive and useful overview.
Key features
This species is also known as giant barracuda due to its large size. It lives in all the world's tropical and subtropical oceans and also appears in warm seas like the Mediterranean. It can live in both warm and warm waters and is common in mangroves, coastal areas and deep reefs, with a depth limit of around them 110 meters.
They are large fish that They measure about a meter long and weigh between 2,5 and 9 kg. There are exceptionally large specimens that exceed 23 kg and can measure one and a half meters. Their body is elongated and hydrodynamic, with a pointed head and prominent jaw; it is covered with smooth, hard scales.
The color is blue-gray on the dorsal part, with silver flanks and whitish belly. Some individuals show darker transverse rows and black spots on the sidesThe second dorsal fin, the anal fin and the caudal fin may vary from dark violet to black, sometimes with white tips. They have two separate dorsal fins and a very forked tail which allows them to achieve lightning accelerations.
Their dentition is one of their most striking features: barracudas have two functional rows of teeth. On the outside you can see fine needle-like teeth, useful for cutting, while on the inside row they are aligned larger, fang-like teeth, which pierce and hold the dam. Among all the pieces, the following can be counted as a guideline more than a hundred, and fit precisely, allowing the mouth to close completely.
It is usually a solitary fish when it reaches adulthood. Above all, at night they wander alone after a hard day. However, during daylight hours, it is possible to see adults near juveniles, which is interpreted as social interaction that favors learning. hunting techniques and protection strategies against predators.
Although its image is imposing, its character should be clarified. Barracudas have been described as They watch divers with curiosity, and incidents are rare. In any case, their power and dentition require one to keep their distance and avoid reflective stimuli that spark their interest.
Distribution and habitat
Barracudas populate all tropical seas and much of the subtropical zones, including the Mediterranean coast and the Western Atlantic. They are more common near islets and coral reefs, where food is abundant. On stormy days, adults have been observed to be able to approach the surface.
Young specimens prefer coastal areas with shallow sandy bottoms or abundant vegetation, where they find refuge. As they grow, they migrate to more open and deeper watersIn their juvenile stage it is relatively common to see them forming small banks, while larger adults tend to adopt solitary behaviors.
Food and habits
It is a fish capable of predating other species with great ferocity and speed. They use surprise as a weapon. This is a rather opportunistic species that takes advantage of its prey's moments of distraction to attack. When they see their prey, they pounce on it, explosive starts described in various sources at speeds of around 43 km/h and peaks close to 90 km/h in very short distances. This maneuver makes their capture percentage very high.
When they are adults, they do this predation alone. But when they are young, several of them often get together to coordinate attacks, surround banks de peces and thus guarantee capture, gaining practice and learning.
They feed mainly on other fish. of equal or smaller size than them. Among their usual prey are sardines, bream, mullet, mackerel and horse mackerel, in addition to herring and mullet; they may also include snappers, groupers and small tuna and, opportunistically, catfish. It has been documented so much cannibalism (consumption of juveniles of their own species) such as the intake of cephalopods and crustaceans such as shrimp.
In order to attack larger fish, they tear pieces of meat with its fang-like, needle-like teeth, weakening its prey with rapid thrusts and exits. Its pattern sometimes includes bite in half the victim to eliminate his mobility from the first moment.
The barracuda can hunt in muddy waters thanks to their lateral line, a sensory system that detects vibrations and allows them to locate prey even when visibility is limited. In addition to being active predators, they can behave as scavengers, following large predators to take advantage of remains.
Due to its great catching ability and hunting ability, There are few natural predators that the barracuda fish has. The most notable are the White shark, orcas and humans, who capture them for sport and, in some regions, for consumption.
Reproduction
There are still some details to be learned about reproduction. For example, the exact time and place of spawning in all populations is unclear. It is thought to be done in spring when temperatures are higher, although in some areas extensive reproductive activity has been observed throughout the year, with less intensity in cold periods.
Spawning patterns may not be the same in all areas of the world where it is found. In the Mediterranean coast A spawning period has been cited that extends from April to June, when the females deposit eggs in surface waters close to the coast. Young females can produce thousands of eggs, and the larger ones reach hundreds of thousandsThe fry they begin to hunt immediately after hatching.
It is not a species that protects its eggs until they hatch: they leave them adrift, where they complete their development. If spawning occurs near estuaries In shallow water, the larvae that emerge from the eggs head towards vegetated areas to feel protected. At just 80 mm long, the larvae begin to move into deeper waters; when they reach about 300 mm, they can enter open waters, and from 500 mm onward, they often move offshore, away from estuaries.
Some barracudas have been described as gathering in large schools for reproduction and show greater activity on nights of full moon, favoring the encounter between sexes in the open sea.
Barracuda fish and humans
Barracudas have a similar reputation to sharks. They are potentially dangerous to divers and swimmers near the coast, but attacks are rare and are usually related to poor visibility or with spearfishing, where the fish may mistake the flash of a caught fish for a feeding opportunity. Because they sometimes have scavenging habits, can follow the divers, interpreting them as large predators that will leave behind remains.
It is rare, but there have been cases where swimmers have been bittenThe best prevention is avoid reflective objects such as watches or shiny pieces of equipment, as these visual cues attract their attention by resembling silverfish. Keep a prudent distance and not trying to feed or handle them reduces the risk to practically zero.
Avoid touching or trying to catch a barracuda: they are capable of tear the skin easily. Although these fish do not consider humans as food, if we try to catch them, they may interpret the movement as that of prey trying to escape and to bite in defence.
In gastronomy, its consumption is uneven. In some coastal areas of Africa they are used for soups and sauces, and are smoked to improve their conservation. However, in regions with coral reefs Consuming large barracudas can be dangerous due to the accumulation of ciguatoxins (ciguatera) in their flesh, so it is not recommended to eat them in those areas.
Speed, power and senses
The barracuda has a well-deserved reputation for fast predator. Thanks to its cylindrical body profile, muscles and large caudal fin, it can perform accelerations that, according to different sources, reach very high peaks on short journeysThere are estimates that cite starts close to 90 km/h and popular comparisons that nickname it the tiger of the seas or even equate it to a sports car for its lightning acceleration, with figures of 0 to 100 km/h in just a few seconds. These figures illustrate its explosive power more than a sustained cruising speed.
In murky waters, its lateral line acts as a biological radar, detecting minute vibrations and pressure changes in the water to locate prey even when vision is not optimal. This combination of hydrodynamic morphology and sensory system explains its effectiveness in both direct assaults and ambushes.
Sport fishing and safety recommendations
Very present on Mediterranean and tropical coasts, this sharp-toothed predator moves in banks of several individuals when it is young and becomes more solitary as it grows. It is not always easy for it to bite: it has a tendency to follow the lures to the feet of the fishermen, which adds excitement to the day. The key hours are usually sunrise and sunset, and sometimes there is a very short window of activity in which several captures can be achieved.
- Port areas: From the shore, both in winter and summer, the ports perform well. The light from the street lamps attracts bait fish which the barracuda takes advantage of. Port entrances are crossing points at dusk and dawn, particularly productive times.
- Rocky shores: If there is no port nearby, look for rocky shores with exposure to the sea. Submerged rocks generate countercurrents that these fish use to save energy while waiting for their prey. They often prefer somewhat sheltered from the heavy surf, but stay at a finning distance from more exposed areas to intercept fish.
- Techniques and lures: Barracudas respond best to moving baits (trolling from shore or boat and spinning). Stylish and fast lures, as well as live bait such as needle fish or small plain ones usually work. It is key to maintain irregular rhythms collection devices that simulate absent-minded prey.
- Safety in handling: because of their dentition and because the lures usually mount treble hooks, it is advisable to use one rubber mesh net, long pliers for unhooking, and if fishing at night, a headlamp. Avoid shining directly on the fish during the active period to avoid scare him away.
Featured species and cases: Sphyraena viridensis
Within the genus Sphyraena, the yellow-mouthed spit (Sphyraena viridensis) is a common species in the eastern Atlantic and also present in the Mediterranean. It shows a elongated, almost cylindrical body, sharp head, wide mouth with two rows of large teeth, two very separate dorsals and strongly forked tailThe dorsal area has tones metallic blues with clear transverse bands, while the flanks remain silver.
- Size and weight: can reach more than one meter, with weights that can exceed 8 kg in notable specimens, although much smaller sizes are usual.
- Confusions: can be confused with Sphyraena sphyraena (common spit), of smaller average size and with gold band along the lateral line.
- Habits: gregarious in its phase Juvenile and fairer lonely in adulthood. A predator of other fish and cephalopods, its torpedo shape and powerful tail allow it to very rapid impulses over short distances.
- Reproduction and life: have been observed groups in the open sea during the reproductive season, with preference for nights of full moon. On Life expectancy It is around for several years, and its state of conservation is considered to be minor concern by international criteria.
- Distribution and fishing: lives from coast up to 100 m approximately deep. It is not highly valued commercially in some areas, although it is valued in deportive fishing.
More names, nicknames and behavior
In the Caribbean the barracuda is called beakedHis reputation as a relentless predator has earned him nicknames such as tiger of the seasThese names refer to their hostility towards prey and its efficiency in stalking and sprinting; they do not necessarily imply habitual aggression towards humans. As a curiosity, some popular comparisons present it as a species with a lightning acceleration, similar to that of a sports car, which underlines its power at very short distances.
They are usually dark on the dorsal side, with shades of green to grayish, silver flanks and white belly. Some species and populations have uneven spots or stripes transverse. The exact pattern varies among species of the genus and with age.
I hope this article has helped you learn more about the barracuda fish. Knowing its morphology, its distribution and hunting habits, its reproduction, and its relationship with people helps enjoy the sea safely You can now appreciate why this predator fascinates divers and fishermen around the world.
