{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Taxon",
  "slug": "barracuda",
  "name": "Great Barracuda",
  "scientificName": "Sphyraena barracuda",
  "category": "Fish",
  "summary": "The great barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda) is a torpedo-shaped reef predator that ambushes fish on tropical coasts from Florida and the Caribbean to the Red Sea and Indo-Pacific. Adults often reach 1.5 m and about 23 kg, sprint near 60 km/h in short bursts, and are listed Least Concern, though large individuals can carry ciguatera toxin.",
  "conservationStatus": "Least Concern",
  "taxonomy": {
    "kingdom": "Animalia",
    "phylum": "Chordata",
    "class": "Actinopterygii",
    "order": "Istiophoriformes",
    "family": "Sphyraenidae",
    "genus": "Sphyraena"
  },
  "stats": {
    "weightKg": 23,
    "lengthM": 1.5,
    "topSpeedKmh": 60,
    "lifespanYears": 14
  },
  "facts": [
    {
      "label": "Scientific name",
      "value": "Sphyraena barracuda"
    },
    {
      "label": "Diet",
      "value": "Carnivore (fish)"
    },
    {
      "label": "Habitat",
      "value": "Coral reefs, seagrass beds, and coastal waters"
    },
    {
      "label": "Lifespan",
      "value": "Around 14 years in the wild (varies by population and captivity)."
    },
    {
      "label": "Weight",
      "value": "About 23 kg typical adult mass (sex and region vary)."
    },
    {
      "label": "Top speed",
      "value": "Up to roughly 60 km/h when moving at speed."
    },
    {
      "label": "Conservation status",
      "value": "Least Concern (IUCN)"
    }
  ],
  "range": {
    "nativeRange": "Tropical oceans worldwide including Florida, the Caribbean, Red Sea, and Indo-Pacific reefs.",
    "continents": [
      "North America",
      "South America",
      "Africa",
      "Asia",
      "Oceania"
    ]
  },
  "sources": [],
  "lastReviewed": "2026-07-16",
  "canonicalUrl": "https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/barracuda/",
  "license": {
    "name": "CC BY-NC 4.0",
    "url": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/",
    "attribution": "Global Animal Guide — https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/barracuda/",
    "note": "Free to reuse for non-commercial purposes with attribution and a link back to the canonical page."
  }
}