Darkfin barracuda

Habitat

Open Water

Coral reef

Special features

They are among our oceans' fastest sprinters, but not marathon swimmers. This species of barracuda is easiest to identify by its dark tail fin.

Appearance

These barracudas are easy to recognize by their distinctive angular markings along their sides and their V-shaped, dark, notched tail fin with a black edge. Their bodies are long and silver, with a pointed head and a large mouth filled with razor-sharp teeth. They also have widely spaced dorsal fins and a forked tail fin.

Natural enemies

Sharks

Dangerous/Toxic

While barracudas are often perceived as dangerous and aggressive, the likelihood of an attack on humans is extremely low. If an incident does occur, it is usually out of self-defense or during feeding events. Barracudas are not venomous.

Sketch

Pro tips

Barracudas are not only fascinating hunters and master sprinters, but they can also strike incredibly fast. With their razor-sharp teeth and protruding lower jaw, they can slice fish as large as themselves in half with just one bite. They prefer strong currents in outer reefs and deeper lagoons, where they swim in large schools during the day and hunt alone at night. Interestingly, some barracudas remain in the same area for months, making it easier for divers to find them.

Text: Carolina Leiter

Pic: Felician Hosp

Illustration: Dive Dict