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Brochet (Centropomus ensiferus) — Centropomidae

Brochet

Centropomus ensiferus
Family: Centropomidae
LC · Least Concern

The Brochet (Centropomus ensiferus) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Centropomidae that grows up to 36 cm.

Length
36.2 cm
Water
Euryhaline
Depth
0–22.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The swordspine snook is a snook (Centropomidae) from the western Atlantic and the Caribbean. The species has an elongate, silvery body with a conspicuous black lateral line, a pointed head and a strongly elongated second anal fin spine, to which the name refers. It inhabits coastal waters, estuaries and lagoons and enters fresh water; it often prefers very low brackish or fresh water. As a predator it hunts small fishes and crustaceans. It is a sport and food fish. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Brochet?

The Brochet has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern.

Where does the Brochet live?

The Brochet lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Brochet get?

The Brochet grows to a maximum of about 36 cm. On average the species is around 25 cm.

Is the Brochet dangerous to humans?

No, the Brochet is harmless to humans.

Is the Brochet edible?

Yes, the Brochet is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Binnensnoek sourced
English name
Brochet verified
Scientific name
Centropomus ensiferus
Family
Centropomidae
Other names
Long-spined snook; Snook verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
36.2 verified
Average length (cm)
25.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Horizontal stripes inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Superior (upward) inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
Two separate inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Euryhaline sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Max depth (m)
22.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Centropomus

More from the family Centropomidae

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