snook

Snook refers to several species of large, predatory fish in the genus Centropomus, together forming the family Centropomidae. The most well-known is the common snook (Centropomus undecimalis), a popular game fish along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the Americas. Snooks are characterized by elongated bodies, silvery to olive-gray coloration, and a distinctive dark lateral stripe running along the flank. They possess two dorsal fins, the first with spines, and a large mouth with sharp teeth.

Habitat and distribution vary among species, but snooks are typically associated with warm coastal waters, estuaries, mangroves, and seagrass beds. They are euryhaline, tolerating a range of salinities from marine to brackish, and juveniles often inhabit protected nursery areas before moving to open coastal habitats as adults. Geographic ranges include tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, with several species found in both Atlantic and Pacific basins.

Diet consists mainly of other fishes and crustaceans, making snooks effective ambush predators. They exhibit seasonal spawning practices, with eggs released into the water column in warm periods and pelagic larval stages that recruit into coastal nurseries.

Human interactions center on sport and commercial fishing. Snook are highly valued for fighting ability and culinary quality, leading to management measures such as size and bag limits, seasonal closures, and habitat protection in various regions to prevent overfishing and protect juvenile populations.