SPHYRAENIDAE 



{Barracudas) 



The barracudas of the islands and coasts that we explored 

 are very common, but much less dangerous than is normally 

 supposed. Two species of the family were observed and caught 

 by us. They were the Sphjraenajello, and probably (still to be 

 confirmed by a close examination of the material brought 

 back) the Sphyraena picuda. Although I have stated that 

 barracudas are comparatively harmless (and they never 

 touched us) this opinion is contrary to that of the natives of 

 the coasts, and I must confess that we always felt uneasy 

 while they were around. It is odd that when the barracudas 

 gathered in shoals, sometimes of hundreds, they never gave 

 us a glance. But when we crossed the path of one or two in 

 isolation, especially in turbid waters, we had the feeling that 

 we were being followed. We would turn round and surprise 

 the fish a few yards from us. It was always ready to make off 

 if we threatened it, but as soon as our backs were turned it 

 was following again. This unpleasant state of affairs some- 

 times lasted for hours at a time. 



It is difficult to suggest an explanation for this behaviour. 

 Curiosity? Perhaps. Hope of picking up scraps? Possible too. 

 Dangerous or not, the barracuda is not a likeable creature. 



259 



