Barracudas themselves are not poisonous. However, they can carry ciguatera fish poisoning, a toxin that accumulates in the flesh of some fish, especially larger specimens. Ciguatera fish poisoning is caused by consuming fish contaminated with high levels of the toxin. This toxin is not destroyed by cooking, so it can still pose a risk when consuming the fish.
The risk of ciguatera poisoning is particularly higher in some regions, such as the Caribbean and the Pacific Islands. Symptoms of ciguatera poisoning can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle aches, joint pain, and neurological issues like tingling and numbness. It is essential to be cautious when considering eating barracuda, especially larger ones, as they have a higher chance of carrying the toxin.