Photo: Unknown author / Public domain (via Wikimedia Commons)
Sphyraena barracuda
Great Barracuda
Saltwater
About this species
A long, silver ambush predator with a fearsome set of teeth, common on tropical reefs and flats. It hangs motionless before erupting on prey at astonishing speed. Fast-retrieved tube lures and flashy plugs draw explosive, reef-clearing strikes.
Season
123456789101112
Depth
0 – 100 m
Habitat Spots
ReefNearshoreHarborFlats
Fishing Methods
LureTrolling
Bait & Rig
Fast-retrieved needlefish imitations, tube lures, or long ballyhoo trolled erratically over reefs and open flats.
Edibility & Taste
Flesh is edible but large individuals over 5 kg carry a significant risk of ciguatera poisoning; smaller fish are considerably safer.
Similar Species
Larger and more solitary than other barracuda species; identified by scattered dark blotches on the lower flanks and a deeply forked tail.
Record Weight
46.5 kg