Bahamas Great Barracuda

The great barracuda's look is worse that its bite. Nassau snorkeling fans can rest assured that in spite of the Great Barracuda's huge eyes, formidable-looking teeth and torpedo-shaped body, he is not flipping his fins through the water after the scent of humans.

The reefs and shallower waters of the Caribbean and South Florida are home to these solitary predators. They like warm, brackish water and swim at a depth range of 0-100 meters. This ocean animal's size is as intimidating as its looks. The great barracuda can grow up to two meters long and weigh as much as 50 kilograms.

The great barracuda has a worldwide habitat that includes the east coast of Africa, Hawaii, and parts of the Eastern Atlantic. Those indulging in fantastic Nassau snorkeling will see the great barracudas all through the Caribbean Sea as far as Brazil. Top predators of the reefs, they feed on cephalopods, a variety of fishes and will munch occasionally on shrimp. They are very skilled hunters and charge through the water quickly as they scoop up the smaller fish that serve as their prey.

Although much less threatening that they look, there is one thing for snorkelers to watch out for. They are attracted to shiny things because they eat shiny fish. Leave your diamonds, silver jewelry and other blingy items on shore. The reflection of the sun on jewelry and other shiny objects will confuse the great barracuda, thinking that your jewelry is dinner. Otherwise, the great barracudas rarely attack humans. However, when they do, the strike is fierce and serious but rarely fatal. So far, the largest catch of a great barracuda on record is a 1.7-meter long one weighing 46.72 kilograms. It was taken in the Bahamas.