The snooks (Centropomus) are distributed in the New World; currently 12 species are recognized. Persons that are reminiscent of giant perches (Lates) by looking at snooks are not wrong: until quite recently the snooks and the giant perches were united in a single family, Centropomidae.
We were now able to import a pretty species of snooks for the very first time from Colombia (Pacific slope). Initially we had some problems to identify the species, but were successful finally: our fish belong to the species Centropomus unionensis. This snook becomes around 40 cm long. On the other hand, the largest known species of snook can reach 120 cm, the smallest only 20 cm total length.
Snooks are rather marine fish, but many species enter brackish water regularly and some even pure fresh water. Among the latter is Centropomus unionensis. However, we are not able to decide whether it is possible to keep this species in a long time sight in pure fresh water and thus recommend adding some salt to the water.
Against conspecifics our 5-8 cm long specimens are very peaceful. They can be even characterized as schooling fish. Friends of unusual predatory fish will like this one for sure!
For our customers: the fish have code 214661 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.
Lexicon: Centropomus: ancient Greek, means “thorn-cover”; this probably refers to the spiny operculum. unionensis: after the type locality, Bay of Union, El Salvador.
Suggestion of a common name: Union snook
Text & Photos: Frank Schäfer
| Angaben zum Tier | |
|---|---|
| Herkunft | Kolumbien / Colombia |
| Verfügbare Größe in cm | 6-8 |
