The Lazy Naturalist - Sarasota, Florida

Exploring Nature in Sarasota, South Central Florida, and Beyond

Common Snook (Centropomus undecimalis)

by Artie Visual, Categories: Fish Tags:

By Matthew Hoelscher – originally posted to Flickr as P7187295, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=9957851

This sleek, powerful fish is a favorite among anglers and an integral part of Florida’s vibrant marine ecosystems. From its striking appearance and fascinating behavior to its role in both ecology and culture, the Common Snook is a true icon of Florida’s coastal waters. Let’s dive into the life, habits, and significance of this remarkable fish, a shining example of the natural beauty and diversity found in the Sunshine State.

A Striking Appearance

The Common Snook is a visually striking fish, known for its elongated body, sloping forehead, and distinctive black lateral line that runs from the gill cover to the tail. This line, coupled with the fish’s silver-gray body, makes it easily recognizable and adds to its appeal. The Snook’s large mouth, equipped with sharp teeth, is well-adapted for its predatory lifestyle, while its streamlined shape allows for swift, agile movements through the water.

Adult Snook can grow up to 48 inches in length and weigh as much as 50 pounds, though most caught by anglers are between 5 and 15 pounds. Their fins are usually yellowish, and during spawning season, they develop a deeper, more vibrant coloration, particularly around the gills and pectoral fins.

Habitat and Distribution

The Common Snook is native to the western Atlantic Ocean, from southern Florida and the Gulf of Mexico down to Brazil. In Florida, Snook are primarily found in the coastal waters of the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico, thriving in a variety of habitats including mangroves, estuaries, seagrass beds, and nearshore reefs.

Snook are euryhaline, meaning they can tolerate a wide range of salinities. This adaptability allows them to inhabit both freshwater and saltwater environments, often moving between the two. During the warmer months, Snook are commonly found in estuaries and coastal lagoons, where they spawn. In the cooler months, they move into deeper, more stable waters to avoid the cold, which can be lethal to them.

Life Cycle and Behavior

The life cycle of the Common Snook is a fascinating journey marked by significant behavioral adaptations and ecological interactions. Let’s explore each stage in detail:

Spawning and Eggs: Snook spawning typically occurs from April to October, with peak activity during the summer months. They gather in large schools near estuary mouths, passes, and inlets, where females release their eggs into the water column. A single female can release up to 1.5 million eggs in a spawning season. The fertilized eggs hatch within 24 hours, and the larvae are carried by currents into estuarine nurseries.

Juveniles: Juvenile Snook, or fingerlings, seek refuge in the shallow, brackish waters of estuaries, mangrove forests, and seagrass beds. These areas provide abundant food and protection from predators. Juvenile Snook grow rapidly, feeding on small fish, crustaceans, and invertebrates. As they grow, they gradually move into deeper waters.

Adults: Adult Snook are opportunistic predators with a diet consisting primarily of fish and crustaceans. They use their keen senses and swift movements to ambush prey, often hiding among mangrove roots or in submerged structures. Snook are also known for their powerful jumps and bursts of speed, which make them a challenging and exciting catch for anglers.

Snook are protandric hermaphrodites, meaning they are born as males and some later transition to females. This change typically occurs between the ages of 1 and 7 years, depending on environmental conditions and population dynamics.

Ecological Importance

The Common Snook plays a crucial role in Florida’s coastal ecosystems. As top predators, they help regulate the populations of smaller fish and crustaceans, maintaining a balanced and healthy food web. Their presence in various habitats, from mangroves to seagrass beds, highlights their adaptability and importance in connecting different ecological zones.

Mangroves, in particular, are vital to the life cycle of Snook. These unique coastal forests provide essential nursery habitats for juvenile Snook, offering shelter and abundant food. The complex root systems of mangroves also help stabilize shorelines, reduce erosion, and improve water quality by filtering pollutants. Protecting these habitats is critical for sustaining healthy Snook populations and the broader coastal ecosystem.

Historical and Cultural Significance

The Common Snook has a rich history of interaction with humans, particularly among the indigenous peoples and early settlers of Florida. Native American tribes, such as the Seminole and Calusa, relied on Snook as a valuable food source, using traditional fishing methods to catch them. Early settlers and fishermen also recognized the importance of Snook, both for sustenance and for trade.

In modern times, the Snook has become a prized game fish, renowned for its fighting spirit and challenging catch. Anglers from around the world come to Florida’s waters to pursue this elusive fish, contributing significantly to the state’s recreational fishing industry. The Snook’s status as a premier sportfish has also led to a strong conservation ethic among anglers, who often practice catch-and-release to ensure sustainable populations.

Conservation and Challenges

Despite its resilience, the Common Snook faces several challenges that threaten its populations. Habitat loss due to coastal development, pollution, and climate change are significant concerns. The destruction of mangroves, seagrass beds, and estuaries reduces the availability of critical nursery habitats for juvenile Snook, impacting their survival and growth.

Climate change poses a particular threat to Snook, as they are highly sensitive to temperature fluctuations. Cold snaps can cause massive die-offs, as seen in the severe winters of 2010 and 2011, which decimated Snook populations in Florida. Warmer water temperatures can also affect spawning patterns and food availability, further stressing the species.

In response to these challenges, Florida has implemented several conservation measures to protect Snook populations. These include establishing size and bag limits for recreational fishing, seasonal closures to protect spawning Snook, and habitat restoration projects to improve and preserve vital coastal ecosystems. Public education and awareness campaigns also play a crucial role in promoting sustainable fishing practices and the importance of protecting Snook habitats.

Common Misconceptions

One common misconception about the Common Snook is that it is an easy fish to catch due to its abundance. In reality, Snook are known for their elusive nature and challenging behavior, making them a prized catch among anglers. Their ability to blend into their surroundings and their powerful, acrobatic movements make catching a Snook a true test of skill and patience.

Another misconception is that Snook are solely a saltwater species. While they are commonly found in coastal and estuarine environments, Snook are euryhaline and can tolerate a wide range of salinities. They often move between freshwater and saltwater habitats, showcasing their adaptability and resilience.

A Personal Encounter

One of my most memorable encounters with the Common Snook occurred during a kayaking trip through the mangrove tunnels of the Ten Thousand Islands. The day was calm and clear, with the sunlight filtering through the dense canopy of mangrove leaves. As I paddled quietly through the narrow channels, the water was so clear that I could see the intricate root systems and the small fish darting among them.

Suddenly, I noticed a flash of silver in the water ahead. I stopped paddling and watched as a large Snook swam gracefully through the mangrove roots, its distinctive black lateral line and yellowish fins clearly visible. The Snook moved with a fluid, effortless motion, navigating the complex maze of roots with ease. I followed its progress for several minutes, captivated by its elegance and power.

As I watched the Snook disappear into the shadows, I was reminded of the importance of protecting these vital habitats. The mangroves, with their complex root systems and rich biodiversity, are essential for the survival of Snook and countless other species. Observing this magnificent fish in its natural environment reinforced my commitment to conservation and the need to preserve Florida’s unique and precious ecosystems.

Conclusion

The Common Snook is more than just a prized game fish; it is a vital component of Florida’s coastal ecosystems. Its striking appearance, fascinating behavior, and important ecological roles make it a captivating subject for naturalists and anglers alike. From regulating prey populations to connecting different habitats, the Snook contributes to the health and balance of its surroundings.

As we continue to face the challenges of habitat loss, climate change, and environmental degradation, it is crucial to recognize and protect the valuable contributions of species like the Common Snook. By preserving their natural habitats and promoting sustainable fishing practices, we can ensure that future generations will have the opportunity to marvel at these remarkable fish.

So, the next time you find yourself exploring Florida’s coastal waters, take a moment to appreciate the Common Snook. Whether you’re admiring its sleek, powerful form, observing its behavior in the wild, or trying to catch one on the end of your line, you are witnessing a living testament to the adaptability and resilience of nature. In doing so, you honor not only the Snook itself but also the intricate web of life that it supports and the timeless connection we share with the natural world.

Common snook

"Róbalo" redirects here. For the fish from southern South America, see Eleginopidae. For the fish consumed in South Africa ("snoek"), see Thyrsites.

The common snook (Centropomus undecimalis) is a species of marine fish in the family Centropomidae of the order Perciformes. The common snook is also known as the sergeant fish or robalo. It was originally assigned to the sciaenid genus Sciaena; Sciaena undecimradiatus and Centropomus undecimradiatus are obsolete synonyms for the species.

One of the largest snooks, C. undecimalis grows to a maximum overall length of 140 cm (4.6 ft). The common length is 50 cm (1.6 ft). The IGFA world record is 24.32 kg (53 lb 10 oz) caught in Parismina Ranch, Costa Rica, by Rafael Montalvo.[3][2] Of typical centropomid form, it possesses drab coloration except for a distinctive black lateral line. It can also have bright yellow pelvic and caudal fins, especially during spawn.[4]

General ecology

Reproductive ecology

The common snook is a protandric hermaphrodite fish species.[5] Its spawning season spans from April to October. The peak spawning occurs during July and August.[6] Spawning typically occurs in near-shore waters with high salinities.[7] Following the spawning period, the juveniles then migrate to the brackish waters of the nearby estuarine environments.[7] When these juveniles mature, they return to the higher-salinity waters of the open ocean to join the breeding population.[7]

Habitat ecology

The common snook is an estuarine and freshwater-dependent fish species.[8] Within estuaries, juvenile common snook are most often found inhabiting areas such as coastal wetland ponds, island networks, and creeks.[9] Despite being a euryhaline species of fish, the common snook shows a tendency to gravitate towards lower-salinity conditions in the early stages of its life.[10] By being able to adapt and thrive in both high- and low-salinity conditions through osmoregulation, common snook display a high level of habitat plasticity.[11]

Common snook are opportunistic predators whose feeding habits indicate a positive relationship between their size and the size of their prey, meaning that as the snook grows, it feeds on larger and larger prey.[12] Common snook occasionally engage in cannibalism.[13] This usually occurs during the winter when adults and juveniles are in close proximity to one another within their estuarine habitats.[13] This form of cannibalism where the juveniles are fed on by the adults is referred to as intercohort cannibalism.[13] The adult common snook that cannibalize juveniles most likely target them because the juveniles may be the largest of the available prey, so are nutritionally efficient to prey upon.[13]

Physiological ecology

Common snook, like many species of fish, are very in tune with their environments. Even a slight change in their surroundings can have a significant impact on their behavior. For example, common snook are able to determine when to start and stop spawning based on the temperature and salinity of the water they inhabit, the amount of rainfall in the area, and whether or not the moon is full.[14][15]

In some cases, disturbances in their environment can have very negative effects on the snook population. One example is the devastating results of a cold snap. Snook are very susceptible to cold temperatures, with the effects ranging from the complete halt of all feeding at a water temperature of 14.2 °C (57.6 °F), to the loss of equilibrium at 12.7 °C (54.9 °F), to death at a temperature of 12.5 °C (54.5 °F).[16] A cold snap in January 2010 resulted in a 41.88% decline in nominal abundance of the common snook population in southwest Florida from the previous year and a 96–97% decrease in apparent survival estimates.[17]

Distribution and habitat

C. undecimalis is widespread throughout the tropical waters of the western Atlantic Ocean, from the coast of the North Carolina to Brazil including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea.[18] Snook likely originated in Central America, and changes in the Earth's climate brought the snook to Florida. During a great warming trend after the Ice Age, snook moved northward along the Mexico shoreline. They followed the perimeter of the Gulf of Mexico, along the west and east coasts of Florida.[19]

Massive snook are found in Central America, although they seem to look a little different because of the weather and water quality, but they are the same. No restrictions exist in most of Central America on the size or quantity of snook one can keep, consequently many locals have been keeping and killing these large snook for quite a while.[20] Occurring in shallow coastal waters (up to 20 m (66 ft) in depth), estuaries and lagoons, the fish often enter fresh water. They are carnivorous, with a diet dominated by smaller fishes, and crustaceans such as shrimp, and occasionally crabs.[21]

Due to their limited cold tolerance, snook have been physiologically restricted from inhabiting temperate climates. In Florida, northern limits in their geographic range have historically been Tarpon Springs along the Gulf Coast and Cape Canaveral on the east coast.[22] Over the past 15 years, snook have extended their range as far north as the Suwannee River Estuary (~29°N), where an exponential increase in their population has occurred.[23] Warmer winter temperatures resulting from climate change has been suggested as a likely cause.[24] There may be potential food-web effects, particularly for sea trout (Cynoscion species), related to the snook colonization.[23]

Human interest

Common snook caught off Florida

Three United States Navy submarines have been named for this species, USS Robalo (SS-273) and USS Snook (SS-279) in the Second World War and USS Snook (SSN-592) in the 1950s.

Considered an excellent food fish, the common snook is fished commercially and foreign-caught fish are sold in the US. When cooking snook, the skin must be removed, because it imparts an unpleasant taste, described as soapy, to the fish.[25]

Snook are prized as game fish, being known for their great fighting capabilities.[26] The IGFA all-tackle world record for common snook stands at 53 lb 10 oz (24.3 kg) caught by Gilbert Ponzi near Parismina Ranch, Costa Rica. Previous world records were caught in Fort Myers, Florida, and Gatun Spillway Canal Zone, Panama.[27]

Anglers regularly use a variety of lures to catch snook. Common lures include jerkbaits, bucktail jigs, topwater lures, spoons, and live bait.[citation needed]

Protection in Florida Gulf Coast

"At the June 2012 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) meeting, Commissioners voted to keep the recreational harvest of snook in Gulf of Mexico waters closed through Aug. 31, 2013. This closure will offer the species additional protection after a 2010 cold kill detrimentally affected the population. Snook closed to harvest in Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic waters in January 2010 after a severe cold kill affected snook population number."[28]

All snook were "catch-and-release only" in the Gulf of Mexico until August 31, 2013. At that time, the FWC could choose to open or close snook harvest for another season. The commercial harvest or sale of snook is prohibited by the same regulations.

At the June 2013 FWC meeting, commissioners voted to let the recreational harvest of snook reopen in Gulf of Mexico waters from September 1 that year. The next stock assessment for snook was scheduled for 2015, but had not yet occurred as of June 2016, effectively leaving the fish under a protected status.[29]

References

  1. ^ Mendonça, J.T.; Chao, L.; Albieri, R.J.; Giarrizzo, T.; da Silva, F.M.S.; Castro, M.G.; Brick Peres, M.; Villwock de Miranda, L.; Vieira, J.P. (2019). "Centropomus undecimalis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2019: e.T191835A82665184. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2019-2.RLTS.T191835A82665184.en. Retrieved 19 November 2021.
  2. ^ a b Froese, Rainer; Pauly, Daniel (eds.). "Centropomus unidecimalis". FishBase. December 2019 version.
  3. ^ "IGFA World Record - All Tackle Records - Snook, common". igfa.org. Retrieved 24 June 2016.
  4. ^ "Common Snook - Centropomus undecimalis - Details - Encyclopedia of Life". eol.org. Retrieved 24 June 2016.
  5. ^ Perera-García, M.A.; Mendoza-Carranza, M.; Contreras-Sánchez, W.M.; Huerta-Ortíz, M.; Pérez-Sánchez, E. (2011). "Reproductive biology of common snook Centropomus undecimalis (Perciformes: Centropomidae) in two tropical habitats". Revista de Biología Tropical. 59 (2): 669–681. PMID 21717854.
  6. ^ Tucker, J.W.; Campbell, S.W. (1988). "Spawning season of common snook along the east central Florida coast" (PDF). Florida Scientist. 51 (1): 1–6. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2014-07-28. Retrieved 2014-07-28.
  7. ^ a b c Gracia-Lopez, V.; Rosas-Vazquez, C.; Brito-Perez, R. (2006). "Effects of salinity on physiological conditions in juvenile common snook Centropomus undecimalis". Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology A. 145 (3): 340–345. doi:10.1016/j.cbpa.2006.07.008. PMID 16934510.
  8. ^ Taylor, R.G.; Grier, H.J.; Whittington, J.A. (1998). "Spawning rhythms of common snook in Florida". Journal of Fish Biology. 53 (3): 502–520. Bibcode:1998JFBio..53..502T. doi:10.1111/j.1095-8649.1998.tb00998.x.
  9. ^ Stevens, P.W.; Blewett, D.A.; Poulakis, G.R. (2007). "Variable habitat use by juvenile common snook, Centropomus undecimalis (Pisces: Centropomidae): applying a life-history model in a southwest Florida estuary" (PDF). Bulletin of Marine Science. 80 (1): 93–108.
  10. ^ Peterson, M.S.; Gilmore, G.R. (1991). "Eco-Physiology of Juvenile Snook Centropomus Undecimalis (Bloch): Life-History Implications" (PDF). Bulletin of Marine Science. 48 (1): 46–57.
  11. ^ Rhody, N.R.; Nassif, N.A.; Main, K.L. (2010). "Sarasota, FL, US, p. 30. Rhody, N. R., Nassif, N. A., and Main, K. L. 2010. Effects of salinity on growth and survival of common snook Centropomus undecimalis (Bloch, 1792) larvae". Aquaculture Research. 41 (9): 357–360. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2109.2010.02511.x.
  12. ^ Blewett, N.R.; Hensley, R.A.; Stevens, P.W. (2006). "Feeding habits of common snook, Centropomus undecimalis, in Charlotte Harbor, Florida" (PDF). Gulf and Caribbean Research. 18: 1. doi:10.18785/gcr.1801.01. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2014-07-28. Retrieved 2014-07-28.
  13. ^ a b c d Adams, A.J.; Wolfe, R.K. (2006). "Cannibalism of juveniles by adult common snook (Centropomus undecimalis)" (PDF). Gulf of Mexico Science. 24 (1/2): 11.
  14. ^ Peters, K.M.; Matheson Jr., R.E.; Taylor, R.G. (1998). "Reproduction and early life history of common snook, Centropomus undecimalis (Bloch), in Florida" (PDF). Bulletin of Marine Science. 62 (2): 509–529.
  15. ^ Aliaume, C.; Zerbi, A.; Miller, John M. (2005). "Juvenile snook species in Puerto Rico estuaries: distribution, abundance and habitat description". Proc. Gulf Carib. Fish. Institute. 47: 499–519.
  16. ^ Shafland, Paul L.; Foote, Karen Jo (1983-10-01). "A Lower Lethal Temperature for Fingerling Snook, Centropomus undecimalis". Northeast Gulf Science. 6 (2): 175–177. doi:10.18785/negs.0602.12. ISSN 0148-9836.
  17. ^ Adams, A.J.; Hill, J.E.; Barbour, A.B. (2012). "Effects of a severe cold event on the subtropical, estuarine-dependent common snook, Centropomus undecimalis" (PDF). Gulf and Caribbean Research. 24: 13–21. doi:10.18785/gcr.2401.03.
  18. ^ "Common Snook - Centropomus undecimalis - Details - Encyclopedia of Life". eol.org. Retrieved 24 June 2016.
  19. ^ "Costa Rica Snook - Fish For Snook". Fish For Snook. Archived from the original on 2016-01-24. Retrieved 2016-02-09.
  20. ^ "Costa Rica Snook - Fish For Snook". Fish For Snook. Archived from the original on 2016-01-24. Retrieved 2016-02-09.
  21. ^ "Common Snook - Centropomus undecimalis - Details - Encyclopedia of Life". eol.org. Retrieved 24 June 2016.
  22. ^ Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. "A Sketch of the Common Snook in Florida".
  23. ^ a b Sinnickson, Dylan; Chagaris, David; Allen, Micheal (2021). "Exploring Impacts of River Discharge on Forage Fish and Predators Using Ecopath With Ecosim". Frontiers in Marine Science. 8. doi:10.3389/fmars.2021.689950.
  24. ^ Purtlebaugh, C.H.; Martin, C.W.; Allen, M.S. (2020). "Poleward expansion of common snook Centropomus undecimalis in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico and future research needs". PLOS ONE. 15 (6): e0234083. Bibcode:2020PLoSO..1534083P. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0234083. PMC 7307751. PMID 32569296.
  25. ^ "Snook: A rare seasonal treat that's worth the effort". naplesnews.com. Retrieved 24 June 2016.
  26. ^ "Common Snook - Centropomus undecimalis - Details - Encyclopedia of Life". eol.org. Retrieved 24 June 2016.
  27. ^ "Snook, Common". igfa.com. International Game Fish Association. Retrieved 27 June 2018.
  28. ^ "Snook". Myfwc.com. Retrieved 2016-06-24.
  29. ^ "FWC News: Gulf recreational snook harvest to reopen Sept. 1". Archived from the original on November 28, 2013. Retrieved December 12, 2013.

Further reading

source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_snook

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