Pelagic fish

Mediterranean barracuda

Sphyraena viridensis

IUCN status: Least concern

The Mediterranean barracuda, smaller than its tropical relative, seen in loose silvery schools over reefs and wrecks. More common in the warmer half of the year.

Max size
Up to ~1.2m
Habitat
Mid-water over reefs and wrecks; often in loose schools

Best places to dive with Mediterranean barracuda

rareoccasionalcommonly seenpeak season
Malta & Gozo
Sighting likelihood by month
MonthLikelihood
Januaryoccasional
Februaryoccasional
Marchoccasional
Apriloccasional
Mayoccasional
Junecommonly seen
Julycommonly seen
Augustcommonly seen
Septembercommonly seen
Octobercommonly seen
Novemberoccasional
Decemberoccasional

Loose schools most frequent in summer and early autumn over reef edges and wrecks; occasional otherwise.

Sources & last checked

Checked July 2026

This is a researched draft, not yet human-verified. The seasonality and logistics are drawn from the sources below — confirm specifics (permits, fees, closures) with an operator before you book.