The Chevron Barracuda (Sphyraena qenie), also known as the Blackfin Barracuda, always offers an awesome diving experience! There’s nothing quite like diving with large schools of Chevron Barracuda! These impressive fish move in dynamic vortexes, circling around you in a stunning display of coordinated motion. Seeing them twist and turn together is an epic dive experience, making you feel surrounded by a massive, synchronized group of these fascinating predators, often dubbed the "Tiger of the Sea."
Distinguishing Features
Like all barracudas, the Chevron Barracuda belongs to the genus Sphyraena, which highlights their pike-like, elongated shape and widely separated dorsal fins. What sets the Chevron Barracuda apart from other species are its medium size and the 18-22 distinctive oblique dark bars, or chevrons, across its body. These markings extend all the way to the caudal fin, which features a black trim, making the Chevron Barracuda one of the easiest barracudas to identify. It has a streamlined, torpedo-shaped body built for speed, a large mouth with sharp, fang-like teeth, and a coloration that typically includes dark blue, green, or gray scales with a silvery sheen on the sides and a white belly.
Defensive Behavior
Chevron Barracudas use schooling as a defense mechanism against predators. By moving together in a coordinated way, they make it harder for predators to single out individual fish. They also use their numbers to herd prey towards shore or into tighter spaces, making it easier to catch and eat them. This group behavior boosts their hunting efficiency and survival.
Feeding and diet
The Chevron Barracuda, like many barracudas, primarily preys on bony fish, including small tuna and mullets. They’re built for the hunt with their sleek bodies and razor-sharp teeth. Plus, it’s not uncommon for young barracudas to get a bit cannibalistic, snacking on each other when food’s scarce.
Reproduction
During reproduction, female Chevron Barracudas release eggs into the water, while males release sperm to fertilize them. Both sexes gather in spawning aggregations to improve fertilization chances. After fertilization, the eggs develop into larvae that drift with the ocean currents. These larvae eventually settle in coastal or reef areas, where they grow and mature.
Predators
Chevron Barracudas face a variety of predators throughout their lives.
- Juveniles are particularly vulnerable and may fall prey to larger fish and even other barracudas. As they grow, their main predators include sharks and larger predatory fish, such as groupers and jacks.
- Humans are also predators of Chevron Barracudas... They are often caught by commercial and sport fishermen because of their size and the thrill of catching them. In some areas, they are targeted for their meat or for sport, making them a common catch in fishing activities.
Did you know?
- In barracudas, a group of juveniles is called a "school," while a group of adults is referred to as a "battery."
- Barracudas, including Chevron Barracudas, have existed for a long time. The family Sphyraenidae, to which they belong, has fossil records dating back around 50 million years.
- Some individuals have been recorded at up to 165 cm.
- When in a cleaning station or excited, Chevron Barracudas can display bright blue flashes on their bodies, adding to their striking appearance.
- Chevron Barracudas mainly eat bony fish. They are also attracted to shiny objects and can target fish that are silver or gold in color. This attraction to reflective surfaces can aid their hunting, especially during night dives when they use light reflections to help locate prey.
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Chevron Barracudas can live up to around 15 years. Scientists can estimate their age by counting the rings on their scales, similar to counting tree rings. Each ring typically represents a year of growth, allowing researchers to gauge the fish’s age.
Where to Find Chevron Barracuda on Koh Tao
Chevron Barracuda are commonly spotted while suba diving around Koh Tao.
For the best chance to see them in large schools, check out dive sites like:
Sail Rock,
Southwest Pinnacle,
Chumphon Pinnacle
Twin Peaks
