Great Barracuda
โก 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
๐ Physical & Biological Metrics
๐งฌ Scientific Taxonomy & Biological Classification
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Incertae sedis |
| Family | Sphyraenidae |
| Genus | Sphyraena |
| Species Binomial | Sphyraena barracuda |
๐ 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.
๐ฆฟ 2. Physical Appearance, Anatomy & Adaptations
Elongated silver body with dark crossbars, pointed head, large lower jaw, and prominent fang teeth.
๐บ๏ธ 3. Habitat, Geographic Distribution & Territorial Range
Solitary apex hunters on outer reefs, attracted to shiny objects in water.
๐ฅฉ 4. Diet, Feeding Strategy & Hunting Tactics
Ambush fish at high speeds, slicing prey in half with sharp teeth.
๐ฃ 5. Reproduction, Lifecycle & Social Hierarchy
Broadcast spawners in deep ocean currents.
๐ก๏ธ 6. Conservation Status, Population Threats & Protection
Least Concern. Widespread in tropical oceans.
๐ก 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.
The Great Barracuda is scientifically classified as Sphyraena barracuda. It belongs to the genus Sphyraena within the family Sphyraenidae, class Actinopterygii, and phylum Chordata.
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.
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.
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.
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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