Florida Fish Database

Name Tarpon Snook Family Family Centropomidae, SNOOKS Description 7 anal fin rays (others have 6); lower jaw curves upward; compressed body; prominent black lateral line extends through tail; tips of pelvic fins reach beyond anus. Where Found INSHORE in south Florida; frequently in fresh water. Size usually less than 1 pound (12 inches). Food Quality Good Recipe Remarks maximum size 16 to 18 inches; feeds on small fish and larger crustaceans; young are nurtured along mangrove shorelines; rare on FloridaÆs west coast.   ___________________________________________________________

Name Swordspine Snook Family Family Centropomidae, SNOOKS Description slightly concave; prominent lateral line outlined in black (not solid), extends through caudal fin; color yellowgreen to brown-green above, silvery below; giant second anal spine, hence the name; largest scales of all snook. Where Found occurs in INSHORE estuarine habitats from south Florida as far north on east coast as St. Lucie River. Size usually less than 1 pound (12 inches). Food Quality N/A Recipe Remarks full-grown adults are less than 12 inches long; mangrove shoreline habitats serve as nursery areas for young; rare on FloridaÆs west coast; prefers only slightly brackish or fresh water.   ___________________________________________________________

Name Snook Family Family Centropomidae, SNOOKS Description distinct black lateral line; high, divided dorsal fin; sloping forehead; large mouth, protruding lower jaw; grows much larger than other snooks; pelvic fin yellow. Where Found from central Florida south, usually INSHORE in coastal and brackish waters, along mangrove shorelines, seawalls, and bridges; also on reefs and pilings. Size most catches 5 to 8 pounds. Food Quality Excellent Recipe Remarks spawns primarily in summer; cannot tolerate water temperatures below 60 degrees F; can tolerate wholly fresh or saltwater; schools along shore and in passes during spawning season; feeds on fish and larger crustaceans. Florida record: 44 lbs., 3 ozs.   ___________________________________________________________

Name Fatsnook Family Family Centropomidae, SNOOKS Description deeper body than other snooks; yellow-brown to greenbrown above silvery on sides; black lateral line extends onto tail; mouth reaches to or beyond center of eyes; usually no dusky outer edge of all snook. Where Found INSHORE species found in mangrove habitat; found commonly in fresh water; occurs more in interior waters (as opposed to estuarine water) than other snook. Size a small species, rarely more than 20 inches. Food Quality Recipe Remarks usually found in fresh water; mangrove shorelines serve as nursery grounds for young.   ___________________________________________________________