Great barracuda

A solitary apex predator with a reputation exceeding its actual threat to divers. Great barracuda are ambush hunters, hovering motionless in mid-water before striking fish at high speed using rows of razor-sharp teeth. Their habit of following divers — likely investigating the reflection and movement of equipment — can feel intimidating but is almost always investigative rather than aggressive. They reach up to 1.8 metres. Flesh can carry ciguatera toxin in tropical regions; recreational encounters are considered low risk.