Barracuda

Barracudas are long, slender, and torpedo-shaped fish with a pointed head, a large mouth with sharp teeth, and a silvery or grayish-blue coloration. The Great Barracuda (*Sphyraena barracuda*) is the largest species, reaching lengths of 6-8 feet and weighing over 100 pounds. They are carnivorous predators, feeding on fish, squid, and crustaceans. They are ambush predators, lying in wait and using bursts of speed to attack prey. Young barracudas often form schools, but adults are generally solitary or live in small groups.

Warm, clear waters, typically near reefs, seagrass beds, mangroves, and open ocean. Often found in relatively shallow waters (30-180 feet) but can venture deeper. They are pelagic, meaning they live in the water column rather than on the seabed.

Barracudas reach sexual maturity at around 2-3 years old. Spawning occurs in large groups, usually during warmer months. They are broadcast spawners, with females releasing eggs into the water column and males fertilizing them externally. Eggs are buoyant and drift in the current, and larval barracudas feed on plankton. They grow relatively quickly, reaching lengths of several feet within a few years.

Barracuda is edible and considered a delicacy in some parts of the world. However, it's a known carrier of ciguatera poisoning, a foodborne illness caused by toxins accumulated from eating smaller reef fish. Larger, older barracuda are more likely to have high levels of the toxin. Flesh is firm and white with a mild, slightly sweet flavor. Can be grilled, baked, fried, or used in ceviche. Check local health advisories and avoid very large specimens or those from areas with known ciguatera outbreaks.