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White snook (Centropomus viridis) — Centropomidae

White snook

Centropomus viridis
Family: Centropomidae

The White snook (Centropomus viridis) is a saltwater fish of the family Centropomidae that grows up to 130 cm.

Length
130 cm
Water
Saltwater
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Range
North America: Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Galapagos Is., El Salvador, Guatemala and others
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The white snook is a snook (Centropomidae) from coastal, estuarine and mangrove water of the eastern Pacific. The species can grow to about 1 metre and has an elongate, silvery body with a pointed head, a projecting lower jaw and a conspicuous dark lateral line. As a fast predator it hunts small fish and shrimp among mangroves and river mouths. It is a highly valued sport and food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the White snook?

The White snook has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the White snook live?

The White snook lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. North America: Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Galapagos Is., El Salvador, Guatemala and others

How big does the White snook get?

The White snook grows to a maximum of about 130 cm.

Is the White snook dangerous to humans?

No, the White snook is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

Is the White snook edible?

Yes, the White snook is commonly eaten.

More photos

White snook (Centropomus viridis) — Centropomidae — 2
iNaturalist (no rights reserved)
White snook (Centropomus viridis) — Centropomidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Michael Verdirame, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
White snook (Centropomus viridis) — Centropomidae — 4
Matee (CC BY-NC 4.0) via GBIF — iNaturalist
White snook (Centropomus viridis) — Centropomidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) esmeralda_1-2_2020, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
White snook sourced
Scientific name
Centropomus viridis
Family
Centropomidae
Other names
White snook verified

Appearance

Size class
Extra large verified
Max length (cm)
130.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Natural range
North America: Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Galapagos Is., El Salvador, Guatemala and others sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Can be caught with natural bait or lures, matched to the size and habitat of the species. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

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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