Do barracudas actually attack people?

One of the biggest fallacies regarding Barracuda is that they are vicious predators that frequently attack people. Barracudas are relatively passive towards humans and while inquisitive, will seldom stalk divers with the intent to feed. read more

Barracudas do occasionally bite people, but it's generally believed that it's a case of mistaken identity. Wearing jewelry while swimming, especially in murky water, seems to be correlated as does poor visibility in general. read more

Barracudas dangerous but rarely attack humans. Last week, I saw an enormous barracuda in the Ala Wai Boat Harbor. Usually the barracudas I see in the harbor are babies, less than a foot or so long. This one was so big, though, that, even though I was in a hurry, I had to stop and stare. read more

However, unprovoked attacks on humans are extremely rare and millions of scuba divers, snorkelers, and swimmers spend time with them in the water without any incidents. Barracudas sometimes do follow snorkelers and scuba divers across a reef, which can make one feel uncomfortable, but they are harmless unless provoked. read more