European Barracuda

Photo: Christian Amador Da Silva · © all rights reserved

Barracuda are synonymous with Lisca Bianca, and the channel between the islet and Panarea reliably holds schools of 30 to 100 individuals from May through October, hovering in the thermocline with characteristic still-water precision. They are ambush predators that benefit from the narrow channel's funnelling effect on smaller fish, and divers who approach slowly are often ignored by the school for extended periods. The largest individuals are old females that have occupied the site for several seasons and are recognised by dive guides by their distinctive markings.