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Enemies of the Barracuda

As a large fish with long needle-like teeth, the barracuda has few enemies. Their hydrodynamic shape allows them to swim up to 36 mph and evade the few fish that are larger than the barracuda's typical 4.8-foot length. Found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world, barracudas typically live in coastal waters, but few venture into deeper areas. These solitary fish eat mostly fish, which they swallow whole or bite in half.

Predacious Fish
- Because of their size, juvenile barracudas and small adults prove more vulnerable to predators. Thus, barracudas have adapted to reproduce and reach maturity in areas with cover, such as places with mangrove roots or sea grass beds. Still, goliath groupers, tuna, mahi mahi and jewfish prey upon smaller barracudas. Sharks, including the Caribbean reef shark, also eat barracudas. Some of these larger fish take bites out of full-size adult barracudas, which can kill them depending on the bite size and location.
Parasitic Fish
- Barracudas have to deal with parasitic fish, which remain on the surface of their skin. Although some of the parasitic fish only eat the parasites on the barracuda, others are opportunistic feeders, taking part of the barracuda's kill. The live sharksucker feeds on both parasites and the barracuda's prey. The slender suckerfish also feeds on freshly killed fish remains, so they poach from the barracuda.
Other Parasites
- Parasites other than fish prove to be more problematic for barracudas, even though barracudas have surprisingly few parasites overall. The monogean trematode latches onto the gills without entering the barracuda and causes tissue damage. The trematode's presence increases the risk of bacterial infections in the gills. According to the Florida Museum of Natural History, barracudas also contract roundworms, tapeworms, gill worms, protozoans, flukes, isopods and fish lice. Parasites hinder the barracuda's immune system and cause superficial damage.
People
- Although barracudas are not popular in the commercial food industry, people attempt to catch them for sport. Game fishers enjoy the challenge of trying to overcome the barracuda's speed, size and determination not to be reeled to shore. Some people eat barracudas, but the meat for adult barracudas tends to have high levels of ciguatoxins, which causes ciguatera poisoning. Symptoms can last for weeks and include weakness, digestive discomfort, gastointestinal problems, cardiovascular issues and neurological or neuropsychiatric changes.

Animals & Science