Barracuda

[johnmaloney @ Reef Cleaners]

I was watching this Animal Planet show on the Great Barracuda. In the show they talked about how the great barracuda was as feared as the shark. I have been diving with enough sharks and barracuda that they don't really bother me all that much anymore. I much more afraid of the portuguese man of war and urchins. I was wondering if people outside Florida get this type of press on the barracuda.

Although- the first dive I went on I came up on what I thought was kelp swaying in the water column. (At the time I didn't know we didn't get that kind of kelp in Florida). When I turned to the side I noticed that it was a large school of barracuda, all over 4 feet, with the largest well over 5 feet long. They followed by me close, (10 feet maybe), for a half an hour or so. Freaked me out for like the first fifteen minutes. Since then I haven't been worried as much.

[phrog]

My first dive instructor was afraid of barracuda. He had a bit of a run in with one. While spearfishing he shot one, but from too far away. The spear stuck but not well. The barracuda swam off and did a big loop, came up behind him and bit down hard on his leg/butt. Can't blame the fish, I'd be pretty angry if somebody tried to spear me.

[johnmaloney @ Reef Cleaners]

True enough! That is a smart fish! They usually just swim in a circle trying to get away, they aren't usually smart enough to swim towards the spear where they can get some slack.

I never speared one, as I was told some could be poisonous, especially if they are larger. My brother has, he said it tasted great. I usually don't take chances with eating fish. One of my friends loves to eat puffer. Crazy!

[cpreefguy]

I was a bit freaked out when I kept seeing a 4'+ Barracuda when snorkeling. They are so sleek that I couldnt see it straight on even when it was within arms reach (and it was a few times!)

[johnmaloney @ Reef Cleaners]

It is amazing how well they blend in isn't it? I feel bad for the fish that accidentally swim up on them!

[aquasport24]

I was offshore fishing at an oil rig and i caught a big kingfish. As i got the king close to the boat to galf it , there was this torpedo looking thing came under the boat and cut the kingfish in half. I took another take and it was a barracuda. It's swimming away with half of the fish in its mouth.

[johnmaloney @ Reef Cleaners]

Oh no Kingfish rocks! I think that is the saddest barracuda story I ever heard!