Spearfisherman makes history with rare catch in the Azores

During a freediving session off the coast of Terceira Island in the Azores, spearfisherman Luís Rodrigues made an extraordinary discovery. While hunting underwater, he caught a silvery fish that looked distinctly different from the yellowmouth barracudas typically found in the area. Upon further examination, scientists confirmed that the fish was indeed a great barracuda, marking the first-ever sighting of this species in the Azores.

Unprecedented Catch

Measuring just over 3 feet in length and weighing approximately 10 pounds, the great barracuda was still in its immature stage. This species is known to grow over 5 feet long and exceed 100 pounds, making it a significant find in the region. The fish showcased its prominent teeth and long, slender body, typical of great barracudas.

Daring Dive

Remarkably, Rodrigues captured the great barracuda while diving without a tank, approximately 30 feet underwater. The Azores, an archipelago located about 1,000 miles west of mainland Portugal, provided the backdrop for this historic discovery.

Scientific Analysis

Following the catch, Rodrigues collaborated with scientists who carried out a thorough analysis of the rare specimen. The research team included experts from Fundo Regional da Ciência e Tecnologia and the Grupo da Biodiversidade dos Açores at the Center for Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Changes, as well as researchers Luís Barcelos, João B. Barreiros, and João P. Barreiros.

Fascinating Species

Great barracudas are known for their ambush hunting technique, capable of reaching speeds of up to 35 mph in short bursts. Considered potentially dangerous to humans, they are known to mistakenly attack shiny objects or fish caught on spears. This characteristic adds an extra layer of intrigue to the unprecedented catch in the Azores.

Unveiling a New Chapter

The revelation of the great barracuda in the Azores has ignited a sense of excitement and curiosity within the scientific community. The unique sighting has opened up new avenues for research and exploration in the region's rich marine ecosystems. Rodrigues' extraordinary find stands as a testament to the remarkable diversity of marine life in the Azores, and the ongoing potential for further discoveries in the world's oceans.

Pioneering Collaboration

The collaborative efforts of the spearfisherman and the scientific research team have brought to light a groundbreaking discovery, shedding light on the presence of this elusive species in the Azores. This unprecedented sighting serves as a reminder of the countless mysteries that lay beneath the ocean's surface, waiting to be uncovered and understood.