Woman has 'close' encounter with large creature before realising what it actually is

A woman was snorkelling while on holiday in Mexico and when she encountered a large creature near the surface and decided to get "up close and personal" with it because she didn't realise what it actually was. Diving and snorkelling in the open ocean can be an incredible experience, allowing humans to see some of the varied species of sea creatures in their natural habitat.

A woman named Eden was snorkelling in crystal clear waters off Mexico when she encountered a barracuda. The large, predatory fish was still, lurking 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 typically target humans, though. In fact, despite their reputation and appearance, attacks are relatively rare and usually occur due to a case of mistaken identity, with barracudas wrongly interpreting humans' shiny swimwear or jewellery as prey.

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

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

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

In terror, Coral dashes towards the eggs attempting to shield them, which results in the barracuda launching an assault and devouring both Coral and all the fish eggs bar one - the eponymous Nemo.

Marlin loses consciousness during the chaos, but survives and raises Nemo on his own.

When Eden shared her video on TikTok, she added text over the top of the footage stating: "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 beneath the clip, she joked: "Nearly became Nemo's mom".

The video amassed more than 22.6 million views and thousands of comments from viewers keen to express their opinions.

One person said: "That thing said, 'Imma let it slide cause you OBVIOUSLY don't know who I am'".

Another quipped: "bro is checking his inventory".

A third commented: "Your life flashed before my eyes".

A fourth warned: "They're literally super agile and aggressive and attack divers/spear fishers all the time".

Another said: "Y'all bold to go up to any aquatic creature NOT knowing what it is".

Someone else noted: "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 recognised for appearing "motionless" in the water. This is because they remain still when they're preserving energy - they then utilise rapid bursts of speed when they hunt.