Bay Snook

The bay snook is one of Central America's most remarkable predators: when it strikes at prey, its mouth extends forward like a telescope to form a tube and vacuums small fish inside. Its long, torpedo-shaped body is golden–olive or bronze with scattered dark spots; there are also red–orange forms obtained through selective breeding. In the wild it reaches lengths of over 40 cm and is a valued food fish in its region. Because of its size and diet, it is suitable only for very large aquariums.

• At least 600 liters and 200 cm of length for a single adult.
• A wide open swimming area, with roots and rocks along the edges.
• Powerful filtration, a guarded heater and a heavy lid; it jumps when startled.
• A 30–50% water change weekly.

Carnivorous. Offer frozen shrimp, mysis, mussels and fish fillet; many individuals accept carnivore granules over time. Live feeder fish carry a risk of disease.

An ambush predator; it eats any fish that fits in its mouth. It usually does not clash with fish of its own size, but becomes tougher during breeding.

Good companions: only fish of its own size: large Central American cichlids, big plecos, large silvery fish; in a very large aquarium.

Avoid: any fish smaller than itself, shrimp, slow and long-finned species.