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203 Featured Specimen
Great barracuda

Details

Great barracuda

Sphyraena barracuda

Size
0.6–2 m · 2.5–50 kg
Diet
Carnivore
Activity
Cathemeral
Sociality
Loose group
Lifespan
5-20 years

The great barracuda is a long predatory fish of tropical and subtropical seas. Cathemeral individuals use the same waters in loose association.

Range

Habitat range map
Native range Occasional / Transient
Pacific OceanPacific OceanPacific OceanAtlantic OceanAtlantic OceanAtlantic OceanAtlantic OceanAtlantic OceanIndian Ocean

Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)

Details

Habitat

It uses coral reefs, lagoons, mangrove edges, and clear coastal water. Reef edges and channels with schooling fish are favored.

Appearance

Length is about 60-200 cm and weight about 2.5-50 kg. A long silvery body, projecting lower jaw, sharp teeth, and dark markings are typical.

Behavior

Activity is flexible, and fish often hang nearly motionless in the water. When prey is targeted, acceleration is sudden.

Feeding

It is carnivorous, feeding mainly on fish. It relies on sight and short bursts to bite prey.

Reproduction

Spawning occurs in more open water, with eggs and larvae drifting. Young may use shallow nursery habitats.

Notes

Its status is listed as Least Concern. It functions as an upper-level coastal predator supported by reef and mangrove systems.