A small family with sharp teeth.  Ambush hunters that may be solitary or schooling, feeding upon fishes day or night.  They have spindle-shaped bodies with two widely separated dorsal fins.  They are capable of rapid acceleration yet are normally seen nearly motionless as they wait for prey to pass by.  Despite their ferocious reputation the Great Barracuda does not seek humans as food.  Attacks are generally cases of mistaken identity; avoid wearing shiny metallic objects while swimming.

Waikiki Aquarium

Pebble Beach, Hawaii, 20 feet

Kaena Point, Oahu, 40 feet

Locally common in coastal waters from estuaries to open water.  Feeds upon fishes.  Attains at least 6 feet & 100 pounds.  Warm seas except the Eastern Pacific.  Atlantic fish lack black on the fins.  Excellent eating but prone to cause ciguatera poisoning.

Puako, Hawaii, 40 feet

Puako, Hawaii, 40 feet

Hanauma Bay, Oahu, 25 feet

Forms schools during the day among coral reefs & bays, feeds at night on fish & squid.  Attains 3 feet.  Found at scattered locations throughout the Indo-Pacific. 

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