Atlantic barracuda
Sphyraena viridensis
Sighting evidence at Los Jameos del Agua Reef, Lanzarote
Photo: rovil · CC BY-NC
The yellowmouth barracuda is the Atlantic counterpart of the Indo-Pacific great barracuda and is the dominant barracuda species in the Canary Islands. Schools of juveniles aggregate in autumn when nutrient-rich upwelling water brings baitfish concentrations; adults are typically solitary. Despite their intimidating appearance and speed, attacks on divers are exceedingly rare and are almost exclusively attributable to shiny reflective jewellery mimicking scales.
Evidence at this site
No confirmed records on file at this site
Atlantic barracuda is listed as a curated species here based on historical reports.