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Black snoek (Thyrsitoides marleyi) — Gempylidae

Black snoek

Thyrsitoides marleyi
Family: Gempylidae

The Black snoek (Thyrsitoides marleyi) is a saltwater fish of the family Gempylidae that grows up to 200 cm.

Length
200 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–400.0 m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The black snoek is a snake mackerel (Gempylidae) from coastal and open water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 2 metres and has a strongly elongate, laterally compressed, dark silver-grey body with a large mouth full of long, dagger-like fangs. As a fast, twilight-active predator it hunts fish and squid in the water column. Through its deep, open way of life it is harmless to humans; when handling, mind the sharp teeth.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Black snoek?

The Black snoek has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Black snoek live?

The Black snoek lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Black snoek get?

The Black snoek grows to a maximum of about 200 cm. On average the species is around 100 cm.

Is the Black snoek dangerous to humans?

No, the Black snoek is harmless to humans.

Is the Black snoek edible?

Yes, the Black snoek is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Zwarte slangmakreel sourced
English name
Black snoek sourced
Scientific name
Thyrsitoides marleyi
Family
Gempylidae
Other names
Black snoek; Blacksail snake mackerel verified

Appearance

Size class
Extra large verified
Max length (cm)
200.0 verified
Average length (cm)
100.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
400.0 verified
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

More from the family Gempylidae

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