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Constantino snook (Centropomus mexicanus) — Centropomidae

Constantino snook

Centropomus mexicanus
Family: Centropomidae
LC · Least Concern

The Constantino snook (Centropomus mexicanus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Centropomidae that grows up to 48 cm.

Length
47.5 cm
Water
Brackish
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The Mexican snook is a snook (Centropomidae) from the western Atlantic, in the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean. The species reaches about 47 cm and has an elongate, silvery body with a conspicuous black lateral line and a projecting lower jaw. It occurs in river mouths and the coastal zone and spawns on shallow banks. The diet consists of small fishes and crustaceans. Juveniles bear a black tip on the dorsal fin and join foraging groups of mojarras, profiting from prey stirred up by their digging. The species is a valued recreational and food fish.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Constantino snook?

The Constantino snook has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern.

Where does the Constantino snook live?

The Constantino snook lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Constantino snook get?

The Constantino snook grows to a maximum of about 48 cm. On average the species is around 35 cm.

Is the Constantino snook dangerous to humans?

No, the Constantino snook is harmless to humans.

Is the Constantino snook edible?

Yes, the Constantino snook is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Mexicaanse snoekbaars sourced
English name
Constantino snook verified
Scientific name
Centropomus mexicanus
Family
Centropomidae
Other names
Guianan snook; Largescale fat snook; Mexican snook verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
47.5 verified
Average length (cm)
35.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Horizontal stripes inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Superior (upward) inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
Two separate inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Brackish sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Hengelen met aas of kunstaas in riviermondingen; populaire sportvis. sourced
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

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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