| The Barracuda Fish is a large carnivorous salt | | | | to find scraps that have been left behind. |
| water fish in the "ray-fish" family. The barracuda | | | | The barracuda has earned a reputation for being |
| can grow as long as 6 ft and reach speeds of up | | | | dangerous to people. Attacks on people can be |
| to 30 mph. There are over 25 species of | | | | very severe and are much like a small shark bite. |
| barracuda world wide. Barracudas live mostly in | | | | Most under water barracuda attacks on a human |
| the warm tropical and sub-tropical oceans, | | | | is usually non-intentional and caused due to "shiny" |
| however, there are a few species that do live in | | | | objects such as rings and watches. However, |
| brackish water. | | | | fishermen that have landed a barracuda in their |
| The colors of the barracudas are mostly dark | | | | boats have been attacked after the hook was |
| green, dark blue, or grayish or silver colored hews | | | | removed from the barracudas mouth. These |
| to the upper body. A white under side helps with | | | | fishermen have returned the favor by eating the |
| a barracudas camouflage by, blending in with the | | | | barracuda meat in fillets, steaks and soups. |
| daylight. Some species of barracuda have | | | | Barracuda meat is absolutely delicious eating! |
| markings, such as black spots or a row of dark | | | | While diving, snorkeling and/or spear fishing if you |
| colored lines on their sides. | | | | encounter a barracuda you should be aware of a |
| Many barracuda species are mostly solitary as | | | | couple of things: "never" try to touch it or feed it. |
| adults. However, young and/or adolescent | | | | If you encounter a barracuda while in the water |
| barracudas can be seen frequently congregating. | | | | think "shark" and act accordingly. |
| A barracudas main source of food is | | | | It is important to remember: one should never go |
| non-predatory fish. Given a barracudas ferocious | | | | diving, snorkeling and/or spear fishing by yourself; |
| temper, fish as large, or even larger then | | | | always go with a group led by a knowledgeable |
| themselves, are not much of an issue. Just as | | | | guide and if you are in a foreign country, be sure |
| sharks attack, so do barracudas: by tearing off | | | | the guide is a licensed guide and follow any/all |
| chunks of meat from their prey. Barracudas are | | | | instructions that he/she may give to you. Serious |
| also scavengers and are known to follow sharks | | | | injury, perhaps your very life may depend upon it! |