Barracuda – overlooked as an Inshore and Offshore game fish!
The Barracuda is a saltwater fish belonging to the genus Sphyraena in the family Sphyraenidae. It can be found in tropical and subtropical oceans worldwide. It can be described as a ray-finned fish and is known for its large and fearsome appearance. Barracuda, any of about 20 species of predacious fishes of the family Sphyraenidae (order Perciformes). Barracudas are found in all warm and tropical regions; some also range into more temperate areas. It possesses a long body, fairly compressed, and is covered with small, smooth scales. Some of the species can grow to a length of 1.8meters and 30 centimeters in width. This species is a nocturnal creature.
Habitat
Barracudas can be found in warm, tropical regions. They can also be found in more temperate areas. They can be found near the surface of the water but have been seen in depths of 100 meters or around 90 feet. Most Barracuda live in near-shore habitats, such as seagrass beds, mangroves, and coral reefs. They’re primarily marine fish, although a few varieties can tolerate brackish water at times. Barracuda inhabit the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, and are also commonly found in the Caribbean and Red seas
Demeanor
A group of barracudas is termed as a battery. These species are voracious and opportunistic predators that rely on surprise and short bursts of speed in order to overtake their prey. Barracudas are usually solitary when they reach adulthood. However, young and half-grown fish frequently congregate. They prey primarily on fish, even those as large as themselves, and attack by tearing off small chunks.
Habit
Barracudas are known to be bold and inquisitive. They may even be dangerous to humans. They have been known to inhabit open waters and bay areas in the shadow and under floating objects. This fish is attracted to things that are silvery in color and have a high reflection similar to the fish they eat. This explains why some of the human attacks made by barracudas are on those wearing earrings, bracelets, or those wearing something shiny.
