The Great Barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda), the largest member of its family, is a skilled apex predator found in subtropical oceans worldwide. With over 50 million years in our oceans, these formidable predators are among the 28 species in the barracuda family. Adults typically measure 60-100 cm and weigh 2.5-9 kg, with some reaching up to 2 meters and over 40 kg. Scuba divers love encountering Great Barracudas despite their fearsome reputation, making them a standout species in underwater adventures.
Distinguishing Features
Great Barracudas have a silver cylindrical body with dark blotches and lighter side bands. Notable features include sharp teeth and a lower jaw that protrudes past the upper jaw, a dark tail with white tips, widely separated dorsal fins, and a slightly centrally cleft (emarginate) caudal fin. Young barracudas have a dark stripe on their side that breaks into blotches as they age.
Behaviour
Solitary Hunters: Unlike the chevron barracuda, which moves in large schools, great barracudas prefer to hunt alone. They are solitary creatures that only come together during mating seasons.
Ambush Predators: Great Barracudas are ambush predators, often lurking motionless in the shadows or near structures like reefs and wrecks. They rely on their excellent camouflage and quick bursts of speed to surprise their prey. They can reach speeds of up to 43 km/h in short bursts to overrun their prey.
Camouflage Experts: Great Barracudas can hide in plain sight. They have darker colors on top and lighter shades on their bellies, blending in with both the ocean floor and surface. Their silver sides and slender, snake-like bodies make them almost invisible to their prey. Each barracuda also has unique patterns, adding to their stealth.
Ram-Biting Technique: Great Barracudas use a hunting strategy known as ram-biting. They bite their prey repeatedly in quick succession, shaking their heads to slice it in half with their razor-sharp teeth. This method is energy-efficient and allows them to target a wide range of prey sizes.
Territorial Behavior: Great Barracudas can be territorial, especially around their preferred hunting grounds. They may display aggressive behavior towards intruders, including other barracudas, by opening their mouths wide and making rapid lunges.
Nocturnal Activity: Great Barracudas are often more active at night. Their excellent vision allows them to navigate and hunt effectively in low light conditions, making nighttime an ideal time for feeding.
Feeding Habits: Great Barracudas primarily feed on smaller fish, such as mullets, grunts, groupers, and small tunas. They are opportunistic feeders, taking advantage of whatever prey is available in their environment. Great Barracudas can eat fish almost as big as themselves. They use their powerful jaws and razor-sharp teeth to bite prey repeatedly, slicing it in half by shaking their heads.
Interaction with Other Species: Great Barracudas are known to follow larger predators, such as sharks and groupers, to scavenge leftover prey. This opportunistic behavior ensures they have a consistent food supply even when their hunting efforts are less successful.
Curiosity Towards Divers: Great Barracudas often display curiosity towards divers. They may observe divers from a distance. Despite their fearsome appearance, they usually pose no threat to humans, especially in clear waters where visibility is high.
Breeding
Great Barracudas reach sexual maturity at two to five years, depending on their sex. Common specimens are about 60 cm long. They are oviparous, meaning females release around a hundred eggs per spawning. Males fertilize the eggs immediately after they are released. The eggs hatch after about forty days, and the larvae develop while migrating with the currents. At birth, larvae do not have teeth, which only develop around the fourth month, marking the point at which they become independent. The larvae are pelagic and gather in shoals. Around the age of three, when they reach a length of about 30 cm, they return to the open sea.
Interaction with Divers
This species has a fearsome reputation among divers due to its sharp, pointy teeth. Attacks on humans are extremely rare and usually a case of mistaken identity. Most attacks occur in murky waters and are often because divers wear shiny items like rings and jewelry. Luckily, in Koh Tao's crystal-clear waters, Great Barracudas aren't interested in divers- they just don't care!
Where to Find the Great Barracuda on Koh Tao
Great Barracudas can be seen at various dive sites around Koh Tao, known for their rich marine life.
Deep Water Sites:
Shallow Water Sites:
Diving in Koh Tao offers numerous opportunities to encounter the impressive Great Barracuda.
Conservation Status
While Great Barracudas are not currently listed as endangered, they face threats from overfishing and habitat destruction. Conservation efforts are crucial to ensure their populations remain stable and that these magnificent predators continue to thrive in our oceans. Sustainable fishing practices and marine protected areas can help safeguard their future.
