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Black snook (Centropomus nigrescens) — Centropomidae

Black snook

Centropomus nigrescens
Family: Centropomidae

The Black snook (Centropomus nigrescens) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Centropomidae that grows up to 123 cm.

Length
123 cm
Water
Euryhaline
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The black snook is a snook (Centropomidae) from coastal, brackish and estuarine water of the eastern Pacific, from Mexico to Peru. The species grows to about 1.2 metres and has an elongate, silvery body with a dark back, a pointed head, a projecting lower jaw and a conspicuously black lateral line. As a predator it hunts fish and crustaceans in mangroves, river mouths and surf. It is a famed sport fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Black snook?

The Black snook has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Black snook live?

The Black snook lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Black snook get?

The Black snook grows to a maximum of about 123 cm. On average the species is around 45 cm.

Is the Black snook dangerous to humans?

No, the Black snook is harmless to humans.

Is the Black snook edible?

Yes, the Black snook is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Zwarte snoek sourced
English name
Black snook sourced
Scientific name
Centropomus nigrescens
Family
Centropomidae
Other names
Black robalo; Black snook; Snook verified

Appearance

Size class
Extra large verified
Max length (cm)
123.0 verified
Average length (cm)
45.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Euryhaline sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
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 verified

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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