Habitat 
Depth 
Group 
Role WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?
The European barracuda has a very elongated subcylindrical body, long pointed head and projecting mandible. Strong canine-like teeth arm the jaws and mouth roof. Widely separated dorsals and an anal opposite the second accompany short pectorals that do not reach the pelvics. Grey-blue to greenish upper colour fades to silver sides, where upper transverse bars can be weak.
WHERE DOES IT LIVE?
It inhabits coastal waters above rock and sand down to around 100 m. Young generally remain closer to the bottom. The range includes the Mediterranean and eastern Atlantic. Historical names and uncertain identifications can complicate geographical comparisons. A large barracuda shoal does not securely establish this species without readable characters.
WHAT DOES IT EAT?
Food is chiefly fish, supplemented by cephalopods and crustaceans. Elongated jaws and strong teeth support mobile-prey capture without describing intentions towards an observer. Do not feed fish to bring them closer or manufacture feeding. Undisturbed interactions allow pursuit and capture to be described without introducing provoked behaviour.
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- Advanced navigation between description, ecological context, observations and behaviour
- Interactive food chain to explore the species’ feeding relationships
