diving.voyage
Barracuda

Marine life profile

Barracuda

Recorded at 3075 dive sites

Where divers encounter it

Explore Barracuda around the world

A barracuda is a large, predatory, ray-finned, saltwater fish of the genus Sphyraena, the only genus in the family Sphyraenidae, which was named by Constantine Samuel Rafinesque in 1815. It follows a daily rhythm of feeding, sheltering and interacting with rivals, partners or a larger school.

Dive sites3075
Countries91
Animal groupReef Fish
Safety profilePotentially Dangerous

Meet the species

What to look for

How to Recognize It

Use body shape, fin outline, color pattern and swimming style to separate it from the surrounding reef community.

How It Behaves

It follows a daily rhythm of feeding, sheltering and interacting with rivals, partners or a larger school.

Special Ability

Precise fins and a body shaped for its niche let it turn, hover or accelerate exactly where food and shelter demand.

Dive responsibly

Share the water well

How to Approach

Move slowly at the same depth, avoid swimming directly at it and let the fish resume its normal behavior.

Safety

Usually safe to observe at a respectful distance. Never feed, corner or touch a fish, especially near nests or cleaning stations.

Worth knowing

The detail you remember

Interesting Facts

It is found in tropical and subtropical oceans worldwide ranging from the eastern border of the Atlantic Ocean to the Red Sea, on its western border the Caribbean Sea, and in tropical areas of the Pacific Ocean.

Where to Find

Look around coral structure, rocky reef, wrecks and current lines where shelter and food meet.

Known countries

Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and SabaMexicoMauritiusPuerto RicoSpainDominican RepublicTurkeyThailandPanamaItalyBarbadosMalaysiaUnited StatesRepublic of MauritiusSri LankaEgyptIndiaMaldives