Other Saltwater
Barracuda
Sphyraenidae
SaltwaterSphyraenidaeNot Evaluated (most species); populations are generally stable, but some localized threats exist such as habitat degradation and overfishing.
About
Barracudas are ray-finned fish known for their elongated bodies, powerful jaws, and sharp, fang-like teeth. They are opportunistic predators, often ambushing their prey with bursts of speed and are known for their solitary nature, though they may form schools occasionally.
- Average size
- Varies by species; Great Barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda) can reach up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) in length and weigh over 100 pounds (45 kg).
- Colors
- Silvery, dark blue, or greenish-gray backs, often with dark bars or spots along their sides.
- Diet
- Primarily fish, but also cephalopods (squid, octopus), and occasionally crustaceans.
- Region
- Found in warmer coastal waters of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. In the US, they are common in Florida, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Caribbean.