# Great Barracuda (*Sphyraena barracuda*)

> 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.

- **Category:** Fish
- **Conservation status (IUCN):** Least Concern
- **Range:** Tropical oceans worldwide including Florida, the Caribbean, Red Sea, and Indo-Pacific reefs.
- **Canonical page:** https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/barracuda/
- **Last reviewed:** 2026-07-16

## Scientific classification

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Chordata
- **Class:** Actinopterygii
- **Order:** Istiophoriformes
- **Family:** Sphyraenidae
- **Genus:** Sphyraena

## Facts at a glance

| Attribute | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Scientific name | Sphyraena barracuda |
| Diet | Carnivore (fish) |
| Habitat | Coral reefs, seagrass beds, and coastal waters |
| Lifespan | Around 14 years in the wild (varies by population and captivity). |
| Weight | About 23 kg typical adult mass (sex and region vary). |
| Top speed | Up to roughly 60 km/h when moving at speed. |
| Conservation status | Least Concern (IUCN) |

## Ambush torpedo of the reef

A long, streamlined body, jutting lower jaw, and dagger-like teeth suit sudden dashes from cover. Barracudas often hang motionless near drop-offs, then explode forward. Young fish may school; large adults are usually solitary.

## Fish-eating pursuit hunter

Diet is almost entirely other fish — jacks, grunts, anchovies, and reef species caught in open water or along edges. They slash prey with shearing bites rather than crushing shells.

## Tropical seas worldwide

Found in coral reefs, seagrass beds, and coastal waters of warm oceans, including Florida, the Caribbean, Red Sea, and Indo-Pacific reefs. Juveniles often use mangroves and seagrass as nurseries.

## Ciguatera and spearfishing caution

The species is Least Concern, but large reef predators can bioaccumulate ciguatera toxin, so some regions advise against eating big barracuda. Spearfishing pressure is local rather than a global extinction driver.

## Frequently asked questions

### Are great barracuda dangerous to divers?

Unprovoked attacks are rare; most incidents involve speared fish or shiny objects mistaken for prey. They are curious but not typically aggressive toward people.

### Why shouldn't you eat large barracuda?

Large reef fish can carry ciguatera toxin from algae in the food web, causing serious food poisoning in humans.

### How fast is a barracuda?

Short hunting bursts can approach roughly 60 km/h.

### Do barracuda school?

Juveniles and smaller adults often school; very large individuals usually hunt alone.

### Where do great barracuda live?

Tropical coastal waters worldwide, including Florida, the Caribbean, Red Sea, and Indo-Pacific reefs.

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Source: Global Animal Guide (https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/barracuda/). Licensed CC BY-NC 4.0 — free for non-commercial reuse with attribution.