Fans of the band Heart may start singing a tune as you read this deep sea fight pitting barracuda vs. sea snake. But even if you’re not acquainted with the tune, you’ve most likely become aware of both of these types of water monsters.
The word “barracuda” recollects aggressive, dominant, predatory habits and surprise attacks. Partially this track record emerges since of the fish types’ capability to swim in brief bursts at 25 miles per hour. This extreme, hazardous habits has actually made the fish the label of “tiger of the sea” – and assisted make it among the most feared marine life types for numerous. The nasty, vampiric fangs don’t help that track record any. These 5-foot-long beasts of the deep are terrifying looking certainly!
On the other hand, deadly sea snakes aren’t exactly welcome company for divers and snorkelers, either. After all, one adult sea snake bears enough toxic venom in its system to kill 10 human adults. The deadly aquatic reptiles swim swiftly, smoothly, and quietly, catching prey unawares.
So, which of these terrifying sea creatures would win the fight? Let’s find out.
Comparing a Barracuda and a Deadly Sea Snake
Because so many species of both creatures exist, we’re looking at the great barracuda vs. Belcher’s sea snake, the deadliest of both creatures.
| Barracuda | Sea Snake | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 2 to 5 feet, 6 to 51 pounds | 20 inches to 6.5 feet, up to 3 pounds |
| Attack methods | Sneak attack, camouflage, 25-mile per hour bursts, | Bite, inject venom, and hold on until prey dies. |
| Aggression levels | Aggressive | Timid/gentle |
What Are Key Differences Between a Barracuda and a Deadly Sea Snake?
Apart from the obvious species differences, many other factors give clarity on the possible winner of the deep-sea battle: barracuda vs. sea snake. We’ll consider behaviors, size, attack methods, aggression levels and more. We’ll also need to look at some key differences between the species overall.
Barracuda
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First, the barracuda has some pretty nasty, razor-sharp teeth. Take a look at that mug! The fangs give off the vibe of an ocean-bound vampire trapped by the curse of the deep. These fish make their home in the warmer, coastal regions of the world oceans where plenty of food exists. 26 different species of this fish exist, though, with varying size ranges. For our situation, we’ll examine the great barracuda for easier comparison.
These vicious fish have elongated bodies, pointed heads, and powerful jaws loaded with sharp teeth. Two separated dorsal finds, violet caudal fins, and a forked fin tail add to the appearance of danger, with the gray or silver top fading down into white on the belly. And though they must sleep, they keep moving as they do so, just very slowly. They remain alert for danger even as they rest, though, so approaching a slow-moving barracuda is a terrible idea. They may well attack you by accident, thinking you a threat.
Barracudas are known as aggressive, dominant predators, with surprise tactics giving them an incredible advantage over their prey. Their intense speed abilities, additionally, give them a huge advantage.
On the other hand, they have poor eyesight and love shiny objects. They assume the shiny objects are silver fish and move in for dinner. (Because of this, if you’re out in the water, skip the jewelry!)
Sea Snakes
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With some 60 species of venomous sea snakes, these slithery beasts come from the same serpent family as the deadly cobra. They fall into two different categories: sea kraits and true sea snakes. Sea snakes are more closely related to Australian cobras, while sea kraits are more closely related to Asian cobras. The high venom content makes these species exceptionally dangerous and deadly. However, sea snakes aren’t particularly aggressive and only attack when frightened or disturbed.
Most folks can’t tell the difference between sea snake species, but the best way to do so is via the tail. True sea snakes boast flattened, ribbon-like bodies and oar-like tails. They bear nostrils on top of their snouts, which allows them to breathe when they surface. Their small bodies may lack scales on their bellies, and they are not coiling species but rather awkwardly crawling reptiles when they hit land.
True sea snakes inhabit coastal waters in the Indian and Pacific oceans, generally in shallow water less than 100 feet deep. This is because they must surface to breathe. Often, though, they seek prey along the bottom of the ocean.
What Are the Key Factors in a Fight Between a Barracuda and a Sea Snake?
Both sea creatures have some fierce qualities giving them potential advantages over each other. Ultimately, though, the battle comes down to this:
- Size
- Attack methods
- Aggression levels
Let’s take a look and see who’s likely to win.
Barracuda vs. Sea Snake: Size
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The many species of barracuda fish may grow anywhere from 2 to 5 feet in length. The Great barracuda specifically usually ranges between 2 and 5 feet in length and hitting between 6 and 51 pounds.
The 26 species of sea snakes, on the other hand, usually grow between 20 inches and 6.5 feet, depending on the species. The Belcher’s sea snake averages between 20 inches and 3.5 feet in length, with weights up to 3.5 pounds.
Based on size alone, the barracuda most certainly would win.
Barracuda vs. Sea Snake: Methods of Attack
Barracudas
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A dominant predator, the barracuda engages its prey with its speed, strength, and surprise attacks. The fish is known specifically for its rapid, short bursts of speed reaching up to 25 miles per hour. Barracudas engage in these high-speed rates to overtake their prey as it attempts to swim away. The long, slender bodies help them hide in reefs, as well, while hunting, adding a sort of camouflage element to their attacks as well.
Barracudas have earned the nickname of “tiger of the sea” for themselves for this very aggressive, hunting behavior, along with their jutting lower jaws and unequally sized fang-like teeth.
The fish is an opportunistic predator, as well, feeding on other animals around them. They’re solitary hunters as adults. Juveniles, though, form schools of hundreds or even thousands of other barracudas for both safety and hunting. If a predator does attack, the school forms a whirling vortex, preventing any single fish from being targeted. Adults, too, may be prey to sharks, killer whales, larger barracudas, dolphins, and tunas.
Thankfully, barracudas rarely attack humans. The few documented situations have been on scuba divers and swimmers invading the barracuda’s territory. They may also attack a swimmer, thinking the person is possible prey, particularly in murky or cloudy water, and if the person is wearing anything shiny. Barracudas don’t seek out humans to attack them.
Sea Snakes
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Hunters by nature, and venomous to the extreme, Belcher’s sea snakes can be quite intimidating to run across in the water. However, they’re a timid species that would prefer to stay away from humans and pretty much anything other than dinner. Some researchers have even reported them to be “very gentle” animals.
However, when these slithering creatures decide it’s time to attack, the ending for prey is anything but “gentle.” First, the snake bites its prey with small fangs and then it injects the powerful venom into the victim’s flesh. The prey may fight, but the snake will keep a hold on the victim, waiting for it to die, despite intense death throes the animal or fish may go through. As the snake holds on, it injects a “venom drip” into the victim, making sure death is certain.
After the victim gives up and dies, the sea snake will swallow its prey whole.
The snake is most likely to attack when it’s hungry, not when it’s afraid. They are prone to hiding and “flight” tactics, not fighting.
Occasionally, humans may encounter Belcher’s sea snakes. In most case, these encounters occur when humans are wearing wet suits. (If you needed encouragement to do so, there you go!) The belcher’s sea snake has such tiny fangs, however, that they cannot penetrate the wetsuit to inject humans with their venom. And, if that wasn’t enough, their mouths are small enough that they can’t open them large enough to bite a leg or foot. Their mouths could only nip at a finger. Most bites have occurred when fisherpersons have drawn them in with catch and not seen the snakes among the fish or the human tries to help the snake get free.
If push comes to shove, the sea snake’s method of attack could win the fight, if it can just get its jaws around the fin of a barracuda.
Barracuda vs. Sea Snake: Aggression
Aggression is one of the most famous characteristics of the barracuda, so you likely won’t find it hard to believe it wins in this category. Especially since the sea snake has been described by its researchers as a “gentle” and “timid” creature.
Winner: barracuda, hands down.
Who Would Win in a Fight Between a Barracuda and a Sea Snake?
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When it comes down to the deep sea battle, barracuda vs. sea snake, a clear winner seems to stand out. The sea snake has a far lethal toxin that the barracuda has a nasty bite. But, with the weaknesses of the sea snake and the hostility and speed of the barracuda, it seems more likely the tiger of the sea would win.
Winner in general: the vicious, aggressive barracuda.
