header1
header2
header3
header4
header5
You are here:Animalia>Fish>Silvery>Barracudas>Great Barracuda

Great Barracuda

Aspect: Long slim body with tiger-like dark markings running downwards from the back, long pointed head with extremely pronounced jaw, dark stains randomly scattered on side of body.
Population: Regularly abundant, especially around wrecks for the larger specimens.
Notable feature: Two pronounced pointed dorsal fins when deployed and baroque-style tail that appears too large compared to the body make this unmistakable outline, even from a distance. Being the last link in a long food chain, they tend to have a strong concentration of ciguatera toxin.
Environment: Usually found in open waters, down to at least 40 metres,  but also in harbours. One always inhabits the Gustavia's bridge. Lives in groups, except large specimens (the one pictured here around the Augustin Fresnel is a good 160 cm long), which always are solitary due to their canibalist behaviour.
Behaviour: Look very menacing, but are quite peaceful. Like to swim around divers while they do their deco stops.
  • French designation: Grand Barracuda
  • Latin designation: Sphyraena barracuda
  • Creole designation: Bekune
  • Latin family: Sphyraenidae
  • Size (cm): 30-180
More in this category: Southern Sennet »