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Common Snook | Fat Snook | Swordspine Snook | Tarpon Snook
| Description: distinct black lateral line; high,
divided dorsal fin; sloping forehead; large mouth, protruding lower jaw; grows much larger
than other snooks; pelvic fin yellow. Similar fish: other Centropomus. |
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| Where found: from central Florida south, usually INSHORE
in coastal and brackish waters, along mangrove shorelines, seawalls, and bridges; also on
reefs and pilings NEARSHORE. Size: most catches 5 to 8 pounds. |
Remarks: spawns primarily in summer; cannot
tolerate water temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit; can tolerate wholly fresh or
saltwater; schools along shore and in passes during spawning season; feeds on fish and
larger crustaceans. Florida record 44 lbs., 3 ozs. |
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| Description: deeper body than other snooks; color
yellow-brown to green-brown above, silvery on sides; black lateral line extends onto tail;
mouth reaches to or beyond center of eye; usually no dusky outer edge on pelvic fin, as in
other snooks; smallest scales of all snook. Similar fish: other Centropomus. |
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| Where found: INSHORE species found in mangrove
habitat; found commonly in fresh water; occurs more in interior waters (as opposed to
estuarine waters) than other snook. Size: a small species, rarely more than 20 inches. |
Remarks: usually found in fresh water; mangrove shorelines serve as nursery grounds for young. |
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| Description: smallest of the snooks; profile slightly
concave; prominent lateral line outlined in black (not solid), extends through caudal fin;
color yellow-green to brown-green above, silvery below; giant second anal spine, hence the
name; largest scales of all snook. Similar fish: other Centropomus. |
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| Where found: occurs in INSHORE estuarine habitats
from south Florida as far north on east coast as St. Lucie River. Size: usually less than 1 pound (12 inches). |
Remarks: full-grown adults are less than 12 inches long; mangrove shoreline habitats serve as nursery areas for young; rare on Florida's west coast; prefers only slightly brackish or fresh water. |
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| Description: only snook with 7 anal fin rays (others have
6); lower jaw curves upward; compressed body; prominent black lateral line extends through
tail; tips of pelvic fins reach beyond anus. Similar fish: other Centropomus. |
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| Where found: INSHORE in south Florida; frequently
in fresh water. Size: usually less than 1 pound (12 inches). |
Remarks: maximum size of 16 to 18 inches; feeds on small fish and larger crustaceans; young are nurtured along mangrove shorelines; rare on Florida's west coast. |
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