Congratulations to William Harrell – He is the newest winner of the Old Salt Photo of the Week – Barracuda.

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Barracuda facts:

Appearance:

• snake-like in appearance, with prominent, sharp-edged,fang-like teeth
• large, pointed heads with an underbite in many species
• lateral line is prominent and extends straight from head to tail
• In most cases, a barracuda is dark blue, dark green, white, or gray on its upper body, with silvery sides and a chalky-white belly. Coloration varies somewhat between species. For some species, irregular and unorganized black spots or a row of darker cross-bars occur on each side. Their fins may be yellowish or dusky

Habitat:

Barracudas live primarily in oceans, but certain species, such as the great barracuda, live in brackish water.

Behavior:

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).

State Record:

67 lbs, caught near Islamorada in 1949