Barracuda is a fish that lives in the salty waters of the Mediterranean and Red Seas and is similar in appearance to pike. At the same time, she is stronger and more aggressive. A distinctive feature of such an individual is considered to be a large head, which is complemented by a massive lower jaw. Barracudas are also characterized by menacing protruding teeth. It is part of the Barracuda family, which includes more than 20 species.
Description of the fish
In the last century, in Italy it was possible to find fossils of a fossil fish that was the ancestor of modern barracudas.Scientists were able to determine its age, which was 45 million years. Based on the preserved remains, it was possible to determine that modern barracudas differ little from their ancestor.
Barracuda is considered an aquatic inhabitant, which belongs to the order Mackerelidae. This individual cannot be called rare or dangerous. It looks about the same as other fish. The barracuda is characterized by only one important feature - a protruding lower jaw, which gives it aggressiveness. This is the main similarity with pike.
The barracuda is characterized by an elongated body, which is covered with cycloid scales. There are 75-85 scales in the lateral line. The fish is distinguished by a large head and long snout. It is almost twice the size of the head in length. Barracudas are characterized by small eyes and large teeth, which are often located on the jaws in two rows. In this case, the front teeth are dagger-shaped.
This species of fish does not have gill rakers, but there are serrated arches. The caudal fin in adults is four-lobed, and in juveniles it includes two lobes.
Depending on the variety, the color of the upper body of the barracuda varies significantly - from black to white. There are also bright shades – in particular green. Despite this, the back always remains silvery-bluish, and the sides and belly are silvery-white. The unpaired fins are dark in color. At the same time, the pectoral and pelvic fins have a lighter color.
Barracuda is considered a large fish. Its average size is 60-100 centimeters. There are also specimens up to 200 centimeters in size. Moreover, the weight of such fish is 2.5-9 kilograms. The maximum mass that was recorded reached 23 kilograms.
Lifestyle
Most of the time, this fish sits in ambush waiting for prey or swims. She is active both day and night. In bad weather, when the sea is stormy, the appetite of this individual increases significantly. In severe bad weather, the fish moves to shallow water to find shelter from the waves among the vegetation. In the calm sea she simply rests. Barracuda begins to hunt when it feels very hungry.
Despite their large size, these fish do not pose a particular danger to people, although visually their school looks intimidating. Some specimens can reach human height. However, barracuda does not hunt people. Attacks are sometimes possible, but they are often associated with murky waters. Pisces confuse people with other aquatic inhabitants.
If a person shows aggressiveness, the barracuda can attack him - injure him or drive him into a corner. This becomes a protective reaction of the fish. However, it is limited to only a light bite. It is important to take into account that barracuda can seriously injure. Its sharp teeth can damage blood vessels and leave behind lacerations.
Habitat
This edible fish is primarily found in the western Pacific Ocean. It is also found in tropical waters of the Atlantic and Indian Ocean. Certain species of barracuda live in the Caribbean Sea because there are many islands and a large amount of food.
It is worth noting that barracuda is found only in seas and oceans. She cannot live in fresh water. This individual always stays near the surface, never swimming to a depth of more than 100 meters. Fish can live not only near the coast, but also in shallow water. Large species choose the open sea to live, while small ones choose calm and muddy water.Reefs, rocks and thickets are considered the favorite places of barracudas, as they can always hide there while hunting.
Diet
Barracudas have a varied diet. Its diet is dominated by crustaceans, caviar, squid, and bloodworms. This individual also feeds on small fish - sardines and tuna. Barracuda is considered a voracious fish that needs several kilograms of food per day. That’s why this sea creature spends most of its time hunting. Barracuda is able to do this itself, waiting for prey in ambush. Also, these fish often attack in groups, attacking the prey from different sides.
The growing predator is capable of catching and eating its victims. At the same time, it is important for residents to remain vigilant. The fact is that fish can attack their fellow tribesmen during a hunt. There is always danger in a flock of barracudas: if one individual was wounded during a hunt and weakened, its brethren can attack and tear it to pieces.
Reproduction
Today, scientists do not fully understand the spawning characteristics of different species of barracuda. At the same time, they were able to establish that the marine predator is capable of reproducing all year round. To do this, individuals unite in large flocks. Fierce fights often take place in them, which help males attract the attention of females.
Barracudas breed in surface waters. At one time, the female is capable of laying 240-250 thousand eggs. Sexual maturity of such individuals occurs quite early.The male is ready to reproduce offspring already in the second year of life. The female is slightly retarded in development, so her sexual maturity occurs several months later.
In order for the fry to appear quickly, comfortable and warm conditions are required. In such an environment, small fish begin to hunt almost immediately after birth. Toothed fry often become victims themselves. They may be harmed by their own parents or other inhabitants of water bodies. As the fry grow, the barracudas themselves move to a sufficient depth.
Varieties
Today, many species of barracuda are known, which differ in visual characteristics and distribution area.
Great barracuda
This fish reaches a length of 1-1.5 meters. It is characterized by a large head and a developed lower jaw. It lives in subtropical climates, preferring reefs and mangroves. This species hunts at depths of less than 100 meters. It is important to consider that such individuals are capable of accumulating toxins in the body. Therefore, eating them is dangerous.
European
The European variety is found in the Mediterranean and Black Seas. It is considered the largest species of barracuda in the area. Individuals are also found in the Bay of Bristol and Bay of Biscay. They are found in the waters of South America. The average length of the European variety is 60 centimeters. The largest specimen caught reached 1.6 meters and weighed 12 kilograms.
Other types
There are also the following varieties of such individuals:
- Californian - also called silver or Pacific. This fish is found in the Pacific Ocean. Recreational fishing for this fish is common in the Gulf of California.
- Gauchancho - lives near the African coast and in the Caribbean. This fish lives at a depth of 10-100 meters. In habitat areas it is a commercial target.
- Pelican - found in areas from the Gulf of California to the Galapagos Islands. This fish forms small schools of no more than 20 individuals. Moreover, this type of barracuda lives at a depth of no more than 30 meters.
- Australian - lives on the east coast of Australia. It can also be found in northern New Zealand. These individuals form medium-sized flocks. They mainly live on sandbanks. Amateur fishermen often catch this fish.
- Northern - lives in the west of the Atlantic. It is found in eastern Panama and South Florida. This fish also lives in the Gulf of Mexico. This is the smallest member of the family. Its length does not exceed 45-55 centimeters.
- Picudilla - lives off the coast of Florida, the Bahamas and the Caribbean. For the local population, barracuda fishing is considered a standard fishery.
- Yellowtail is considered one of the smallest species. This species lives in the Indian Ocean. Adults do not exceed 40 centimeters. A characteristic feature of such barracudas is their yellow tail.
- Sharpfin - this species is considered endangered. Such fish are found in the Indo-Pacific region. Individuals also live in pelagic areas off the coast of China and Japan. Their maximum length is 80 centimeters.
About fishing for barracuda
Various methods are used to catch barracuda. These include, in particular, trolling, drifting and spinning fishing. Sea drifting is somewhat similar to fishing with a float rod from a boat or boat.
Trolling is fishing from a moving boat. Rods are installed on the vehicle, and it leads the bait. To use this method, specially equipped boats and special gear are used.
The use of sea spinning is in many ways reminiscent of the same freshwater type of fishing. However, in this case completely different gear is used.
American fishermen do not speak well of barracuda. This fish grabs bait that is not intended for it, tangles the gear and is characterized by rude and intrusive behavior. At the same time, for tourists this manner is only beneficial. After active resistance, they can receive a terrifying trophy.
Fishing in the Mediterranean Sea is also considered a tourist attraction. This is due to the use of dynamic fishing techniques. In addition, success is almost guaranteed. At the same time, the Mediterranean barracuda is significantly inferior in size to those individuals that can be caught in the Caribbean. For successful fishing, it is important to know the places and choose the right time. Therefore, it is worth consulting with local fishermen.
In addition to amateur fishing, there is commercial fishing. At the same time, the fish do not form large schools. Therefore, for commercial purposes it is caught with the help of fishing vessels using hook and line gear.
Barracuda is a large fish with a terrifying appearance. However, it does not pose a danger to people. Today, many varieties of such individuals are known, which differ in habitat and visual characteristics.
