Date: 19 May 2021. Barracudas and
Ciguatera Toxin.
©
janice142
The
mangroves near Seaweed are brimming with wildlife. One of my
favorite things to do is observe nature. Over the years I have had
the opportunity to view a lot of fish. I told you about some of my
finned friends in the
Snook Surface (cold weather
consequence)
article. Today I will share information about barracudas. They are among my
most favorite fish.
Barracuda
(bare-a-coo-duh) are a predator fish. They have a mouthful of sharp
teeth.

Barracuda are also delicious.
I have caught them numerous times with a silver spoon lure.
That said, experts say to avoid eating
barracuda because of ciguatera. According to
MedicineNet.com "Ciguatera toxin is
harmless to fish but poisonous to humans. The toxin is odorless and
tasteless, and it is heat-resistant, so cooking does not destroy the
toxin."
The full
article on
MedicineNet.com can be found at:
https://www.medicinenet.com/ciguatera_poisoning/article.htm
Here is a
barracuda I spotted under the dock.

Details
about barracuda can also be found in my Golden Guide book entitled
Fishes.

Fishes
is the book I use to identify fish. The illustrations are realistic.
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The
Fishes Golden
Guide book is one of my favorites. If you chose to honor me by
purchasing through the link provided pick the least expensive
regardless of year published. The contents are the same in all of
these. The cover changes, but everything else is identical.
The only problem I have
experienced with the Golden Guides is that after 50-plus years the
glue in the binding starts to fail. Silicone fixes that.
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Affiliate link:
Fishes (A Golden Guide from St. Martin's Press)
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The quantity of poison
increases in the body of the predator fish over time. As barracuda eat smaller fish with the
ciguatera toxin, more of said poison accumulates inside the
barracuda. It is harmless to the fish however in people ciguatera causes a rash
of symptoms, some deadly.

I will say
that I have eaten numerous barracuda up to about 2' (60cm) long. I would never
eat one of the monster barracuda some fishermen catch. You should
read about the
DANGERS OF CIGUATERA TOXIN
before deciding for yourself if barracuda is something you'd like to
try.
Link to
article:
https://www.medicinenet.com/ciguatera_poisoning/article.htm

I have
noticed that barracuda tend to remain in place versus swimming
around. While staying in one spot they are always facing into the current.

The barracuda under the dock is pointed due
west.
The
current is coming from the west. Here on the beach that
is a rising tide. The barracuda is resting in the shade of the dock.
Memory Lane:
Although I am the world's worst fisherman, I have caught a lot
of 'cudas over the years. When times were tough and the budget
was tight barracuda would be on the table. The secret is to
cast a silver spoon in front of the fish and reel it in. They
like shiny things.
Barracuda are
a white fleshed fish, flaky when cooked. They are relatively
easy to clean and tasty when fried or baked aboard. Cooking over an open flame on the beach
is another option. If you like fish
chowder, add the leftovers and you'll be all set.
On
the beach you will want to utilize a double sided metal grate
or cast iron pan so that you can flip the fish over without it
falling apart (or into) the
fire. |

I did
NOT tell you to eat barracuda.
Read about ciguatera toxin warnings issued by the experts before you make
your decision. Thank you.
Link to
article:
https://www.medicinenet.com/ciguatera_poisoning/article.htm
That's it
from the riverfront. Seaweed and I are doing well. Thank you for
reading.
What is your favorite easy to catch fish? I am bad at
landing most food fish.
And, what bait do you utilize for best results?
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© 2021
Categories: Books,
Fishing,
Locations,
Memory Lane,
Recommendations,
Wild Things,
Seaweed's New Address
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