Woman gets ‘close’ with sea creature before realising what it is

A woman was snorkelling while on holiday in Mexico and when she came across a large fish, she “got up close and personal” with it because she didn’t realise what it was. Diving and snorkelling in the open ocean can be an incredible experience, allowing humans to get a glimpse of some of the varied species of sea creatures in their natural habitat.

A woman named Eden was snorkelling in clear waters off Mexico when she came across a barracuda. The large, predatory fish was stationary and near the surface, which allowed her to get closer to it, unaware the fish is capable of attacks.

These ray-finned saltwater fish don’t target humans, though. In fact, despite their reputation and appearance, attacks are relatively rare and usually come about due to a case of mistaken identity, with barracudas wrongly interpreting humans’ shiny swimwear or jewellery as prey.

Still, their presence can be very unnerving and, as with all wild animals, it’s best to keep your distance.

Barracudas’ negative reputation was likely exacerbated after the 2003 Disney Pixar hit film, Finding Nemo.

At the beginning of the film, clown fish couple Marlin and Coral are discussing what to name their offspring, when they spot a barracuda in the distance.

In fear, Coral races towards the eggs to try and protect them, which leads to the barracuda attacking and devouring both Coral and all the fish eggs except one – the titular Nemo. Marlin is knocked unconscious during the frenzy, but survives and takes care of Nemo alone.

When Eden posted her video to TikTok, she added text over the top of the footage which reads: “That one time I was snorkelling in Mexico and got up close and personal with a barracuda without knowing what it was”.

In the caption accompanying the clip, she quipped: “Nearly became Nemo’s mom”.

The video racked up more than 22.6 million views and thousands of comments from people eager to share their thoughts.

One person said: “That thing said, ‘Imma let it slide cause you OBVIOUSLY don’t know who I am’”.

Another joked: “bro is checking his inventory”.

A third said: “Your life flashed before my eyes”.

A fourth cautioned: “They’re literally super agile and aggressive and attack divers/spear fishers all the time”.

Another commented: “Y’all bold to go up to any aquatic creature NOT knowing what it is”.

Someone else said: “If I see something in the water and don’t know what it is I’m getting out simple as”.

Another shared: “Bro be careful that thing got Nemo’s family”.

And another added: “why is he just sitting there menacingly”.

Barracudas are known for seeming “still” in the water. This is because they’re conserving energy – they use rapid bursts of speed when they hunt.