When snorkeling, how likely is a barracuda attack?

Question

My friend and I went snorkeling yesterday not to far off shore, and we came face to face with a five-six foot barracuda. He freaked out and swam to shore and wouldn't come back in, but I told him he had nothing to worry about.

How likely is the event of use getting attacked by a barracuda when we are surrouned by hundreds of other fish?

Answer 1

******My dive master taught me over 20 years ago the plain facts about these menacing looking critters.  I have seen them numerous times and they often hang around when I am diving.  They even follow me sometimes.  

What I learned is this:

The one you can see will NOT bother you.

If one ever gets bitten by a barracuda, it came from a long ways off, usually cause it was attracted to something visually shiney.  The odds of this happeneing are extremely slim, and if it did happen, the cuda spat you out once he hit you, cause he does not want to eat humans.  They are lightning fast so they are like torpedos with teeth.  I think they are cool!

DO NOT FEAR THEM!

The Pool is Now Open!

Answer 2

it's not likely.  Although your chances are increased if you have something shiny (a ring, necklace, not-cheapo watch) on, as barracudas, like most animals (and guys) are attracted to shiny things.

Also, don't chase after it or try to poke it...they'll take it as an attack and act accordingly.

Answer 3

Barracuda do not normally attack humans!  I have seen barracuda repeatedly while scuba diving.  They often seem curious about divers/snorkelers and hang around near by.  Someone told me that they are attracted by reflections off the dive-mask and shiny metal bits on dive gear.  I don't know about that, but I do know that Barracuda do not have human in their normal food chain, and might bite only if cornered or threatened/harrassed in some way.