SPRINGS FIELD GUIDE

Common snook

FISH PROFILE

COMMON NAME

Common Snook

Scientific name

Centropomus undecimalis

FAMILY

Centropomidae family

LENGTH

20 inches

DIET

Small fish, shrimp, crab

FISH PROFILE

COMMON NAME

Common Snook

Scientific name

Centropomus undecimalis

FAMILY

Centropomidae family

LENGTH

20 inches

DIET

Small fish, shrimp, crab

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Snook are a very popular Florida fish that typically grow to be roughly 20 inches in length and weigh around 30 pounds. They have a dull gray color with a slight yellow tint and can be identified by the distinct black lateral line along the body. They have a long body with a sloping forehead and may also have bright yellow fins.

RANGE, HABITAT, and BEHAVIOR

Snook inhabit areas along Florida’s Atlantic and Gulf coasts, with populations also located in North Carolina and Texas. They can be found in estuaries as well as inland rivers and springs due to a tolerance of both salt and fresh water. Snook feed on smaller fish and crustaceans such as shrimp and crab.

FUN FACTS

Snook are popular game and food fish. Though females tend to be a bit longer than males, there is little to no physical difference between male and female snook. Interestingly, snook are hermaphroditic, meaning some fish will transition from male to female after maturation. Snook are vulnerable to temperature changes – they may die when Florida experiences a sudden cold front.

Leave a Reply