A barracuda, or cuda for short, is a large, predatory fish known for its fearsome appearance and ferocious behavior. The barracuda is a saltwater fish of the genus Sphyraena. It is found in tropical and subtropical oceans worldwide ranging from the eastern border of the Atlantic Ocean to the Red Sea, on its western border the Caribbean Sea, and in tropical areas of the Pacific Ocean. Barracudas reside near the top of the water and near coral reefs and sea grasses. Barracudas are prized by sport-fishing enthusiasts. Barracuda are snake-like in appearance, with prominent, sharp-edged, fang-like teeth, much like piranha, all of different sizes, set in sockets of their large jaws. They have large, pointed heads with an under-bite in many species. The lateral line is prominent and extends straight from head to tail. The swim bladder is large, allowing for minimal energy expenditure while cruising or remaining idle. In most cases, barracuda are dark gray, dark green, white, or blue on the upper body, with silvery sides and a chalky-white belly. Some species grow quite large (up to 65 inches or 165 cm in length). Barracudas are ferocious, opportunistic predators, relying on surprise and short bursts of speed, up to 27 mph (43 km/h), to overtake their prey. Adults of most species are more or less solitary, while young and half-grown fish frequently congregate. Barracudas prey primarily on fish (which may include some as large as themselves). They kill and consume larger prey by tearing chunks out of their prey. Barracuda species are often seen competing against mackerel, needle fish and sometimes even dolphins for prey. -Copy and pasted from Wikipedia Courtesy of The Bellisseria Oceanographic Institute