Róbalo’ or Snook are world-renowned game fish of the Centropomidae Family – Genus Centropomus that are much sought after by fly fishing enthusiasts and sportfishing charters.
Six Atlantic and six Pacific Ocean species are currently recognized as scientifically valid. All are known to inhabit Central America and all are excellent gamefish. There is no evidence found of the individual species crossing from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean or vice-versa through the Panama Canal.
Interestingly, all Robalo or Snook species are capable of inhabiting both fresh and saltwater and are known to seasonally occupy Gatun Lake, which forms a water bridge connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans as an integral part of the Panama Canal.
Of the twelve species only 4 are known to reach sizes in excess of 10 lbs. – two Atlantic Ocean species (Centropomus Undecimalis and Centropomus Poeyi) and two Pacific Ocean species (Centropomus Viridis and Centropomus Nigrescens). The eight species of smaller Robalo usually grow to less than 6 lbs. and can be readily distinguished by from the four larger species by their noticeably longer anal spine, anal fin configuration and body shape.
The four large species are immediately recognizable by because of their more streamlined appearance given by the longer narrower body shape. Many individual species of Robalo bear a close resemblance to one another although they may be from the same or different oceans so identification is best left up to experts.
