Snook, Common

Dispatch Method:

Beware of the sharp gill covers and dorsal spines of snook when handling them. The brain of the snook is further back in the head compared to most other fishes, which must be kept in mind when using iki jime. They can also be killed humanely by a firm knock to the head before placing them in an ice slurry after bleeding.

Fish Description:

• A distinctive fish with a strongly sloping head and protruding jaw. Olive-grey to silver in colouration, with pale or yellowish fins and a single thin dark brown/black stripe along the lateral line.
  
• At least 13 species of closely related snooks occur along the Pacific and Atlantic coastlines of Central and South America. All are similar in appearance, and are likely to have similar brain locations.

Fish Distribution:

• Various species of snook occur in coastal marine, estuarine and freshwater habitats throughout the Pacific and Atlantic coasts of the Americas, including the Caribbean.
  
• Adults occur mainly in tropical estuaries and mangrove areas, congregating to spawn at river mouths during the warmer months. Juveniles migrate up rivers well into fresh water.
  
• This highly predatory species feeds mainly on fishes, and crustaceans.
  
• The common snook matures first as males from 30-50 cm (12-20 inches) long (3-5 years old), then changes into female beginning at around 40-60 cm (16-24 inches) long (5-8 years old).

Fish Size Common Length:

Commonly 50-70 cm (20-28 inches), maximum size around 145 cm (4 feet 10 inches) and 25 kg (53 lb).