Union snook
📖 Overview
Union snook (Centropomus unionensis) is a ray-finned fish of the family Centropomidae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters in benthic environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 46 cm. With a trophic level of 3.9, it is a mid-level predator. It is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Commercially fished and consumed as food, valued as a sport fish.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Body elongate and deep; dorsal profile slightly concave behind the eyes; lateral line extending to posterior edge of caudal fin; second anal spine, when folded down, reaching middle of caudal peduncle; pectoral and pelvic fins sub-equal; anal fin with 6 rays; back blue gray; belly white; lateral line pale; membranes between dorsal spines and between second and third anal spines pale .: fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Union snook is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; brackish; demersal. Tropical; 15°N - 20°S
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🎣 Angling Guide
- medium-heavy 7ft spinning rod
- 30-50 lb braid
- fluorocarbon leader
- grass flats
- oyster bars
- marsh drains
- deeper channel edges
Use barbless hooks, minimise air exposure, and revive fish head-first in current before release.
⚠️ Slot limits protect breeding-size fish. Verify daily bag limits.
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Union snook is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Detailed nutritional data for Union snook is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Union snook has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | humpback snook · Snook · Union snook |
| 🌍CES | robalo peruánský |
| 🇵🇹Portuguese | Robalo-do-Pacífico |
| 🇷🇺Russian | Панамский робало |
| 🇪🇸Spanish | Gualajo · Róbalo ojito · robalo serrano |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 10 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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