Centropomus
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| Centropomus | ||||
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| Missing image Centropomus_undecimalis.jpg Common snook Common snook (C. undecimalis) | ||||
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Centropomus Lacépčde, 1802, is a genus of predominantly marine fish in family Centropomidae of order Perciformes. The type species is C. undecimalis, the common snook. Commonly known as snooks or róbalos, the Centropomus species are native to tropical and subtropical waters of the western Atlantic and eastern Pacific Oceans.
The snook species range in maximum length from about 35 cm (14 in) to some 140 cm (4 ft 7 in), with maximum recorded weights of 1.0–26 kg (2.2–57 lb).
Occurring in a variety of habitats ranging from coral reefs to estuaries and mangrove swamps, the snooks are carnivorous, feeding primarily on crustaceans and other fishes.
Many of the snooks are important as commercial food fish and as game fish.
The United States Navy submarines named USS Robalo and USS Snook are named for the common snook.
The generic name Centropomus derives from the Greek κέντρον (centre, in this sense "sting") and πώμα (cover, plug, operculum).
Species
- C. armatus – armed snook
- C. ensiferus – swordspine snook
- C. medius – blackfin snook
- C. mexicanus – Guianan snook
- C. nigrescens – black snook
- C. parallelus – fat snook
- C. pectinatus – Tarpon snook
- C. poeyi – Mexican snook
- C. robalito – yellowfin snook
- C. undecimalis – common snook
- C. unionensis – union snook
- C. viridis – white snook