Great Barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda) in natural habitat
๐Ÿ“ธ FaunaWiki Verified Wildlife Photo

Great Barracuda

Scientific Name: Sphyraena barracuda
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IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

The Great Barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda) is cataloged as Least Concern on the official IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

โšก Key Facts & Quick Answers (AEO Summary)

  • Taxonomic Class: Fish & Marine Life
  • Dietary Niche: Carnivore (Snappers, jacks, mullet, killifish, squid)
  • Max Speed: 58 km/h (36 mph)
  • Adult Weight: 15 - 50 kg (33 - 110 lbs)
  • Typical Lifespan: 10 - 14 years
  • Primary Habitat: Subtropical coral reefs, open ocean waters, seagrass beds
  • Native Region: Global tropical and subtropical oceans
  • IUCN Red List: Least Concern

๐Ÿ“Š Physical & Biological Metrics

Class
Fish & Marine Life
Diet Type
Carnivore (Snappers, jacks, mullet, killifish, squid)
Habitat
Subtropical coral reefs, open ocean waters, seagrass beds
Lifespan
10 - 14 years
Adult Weight
15 - 50 kg (33 - 110 lbs)
Top Speed
58 km/h (36 mph)
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Geographic Range & Distribution
Global tropical and subtropical oceans
Native Biome: Subtropical coral reefs, open ocean waters, seagrass beds

๐Ÿงฌ Scientific Taxonomy & Biological Classification

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Actinopterygii
Order Incertae sedis
Family Sphyraenidae
Genus Sphyraena
Species Binomial Sphyraena barracuda

๐Ÿ“– 1. Species Overview

The Great Barracuda is a fearsome, torpedo-shaped ocean predator. Fitted with razor-sharp fang-like teeth, they rely on explosive bursts of speed to ambush fish in tropical waters.

๐Ÿฆฟ 2. Physical Appearance, Anatomy & Adaptations

Elongated silver body with dark crossbars, pointed head, large lower jaw, and prominent fang teeth.

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ 3. Habitat, Geographic Distribution & Territorial Range

Solitary apex hunters on outer reefs, attracted to shiny objects in water.

๐Ÿฅฉ 4. Diet, Feeding Strategy & Hunting Tactics

Ambush fish at high speeds, slicing prey in half with sharp teeth.

๐Ÿฃ 5. Reproduction, Lifecycle & Social Hierarchy

Broadcast spawners in deep ocean currents.

๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ 6. Conservation Status, Population Threats & Protection

Least Concern. Widespread in tropical oceans.

๐Ÿ’ก Fascinating Facts & Trivia

  • Barracudas can accelerate in short bursts of speed up to 58 km/h (36 mph) to catch prey.
  • They are attracted to shiny metallic objects in the water, which they mistake for the glint of fish scales.

โ“ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Direct authoritative answers regarding the biology, feeding habits, and habitat of the Great Barracuda.

What is the scientific taxonomy of the Great Barracuda? โ–ผ

The Great Barracuda is scientifically classified as Sphyraena barracuda. It belongs to the genus Sphyraena within the family Sphyraenidae, class Actinopterygii, and phylum Chordata.

Where does the Great Barracuda live in the wild? โ–ผ

In the wild, Great Barracudas inhabit Subtropical coral reefs, open ocean waters, seagrass beds. Their native geographic range primarily spans Global tropical and subtropical oceans.

What do Great Barracudas eat in their natural habitat? โ–ผ

The Great Barracuda is classified as a Carnivore. It feeds primarily on specialized nutrients suited to its ecological niche in Subtropical coral reefs, open ocean waters, seagrass beds.

How fast can a Great Barracuda move, and what is its typical size? โ–ผ

A Great Barracuda can achieve top speeds of 58 km/h (36 mph) and weighs approximately 15 - 50 kg (33 - 110 lbs). Its expected natural lifespan is 10 - 14 years.

What is the IUCN conservation status of the Great Barracuda? โ–ผ

The Great Barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda) is currently designated as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Cite this Article

FaunaWiki Zoological Database (2026). "Great Barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda) Species Profile."

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