Thyrsites atun
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| Thyrsites atun (Euphrasen, 1791) |
The snoek (Thyrsites atun) is a long, thin, perch-like commercial food fish of the family Gempylidae. It is found in the seas of the Southern Hemisphere, and is a popular food, It is also known in Australia as barracouta though not related nor to be confused with Barracuda. It can grow to the length of 200 cm. (78 inches) and weigh as much as 6 kg. (13.23 lbs,). Found near continental shelves or around islands. Feeds on crustaceans, cephalopods and small fishes like anchovy and pilchard. This species will form schools near the bottom or midwater; sometimes even at the surface at night. Prefers sea water temperature between 13° and 18°C.
It is sold fresh, smoked, canned and frozen. Preparation includes frying, broiling, baking and microwaving. It is also made and eaten as fishcakes in regions such as Japan. Prepared most often by grilling, frying or smoking. It is oily and extremely bony (although the bones are large and easily removed from the cooked fish) and has a taste similar to that of mackerel. Though very popular in regions like South Africa it is not popular to certain generations of British residents during the Second World War due to it being considered a food item of deprivation. Canned Snoek was imported in large quantities to Great Britain and government marketing of the product was not successful and may have had a negative effect. In South Africa, it is mostly caught and eaten in the southwestern coastal parts of the country. It is traditionally served grilled over coals with boiled sweet potatoes. This is a regional speciality.
[edit] References
- Thyrsites atun (TSN 172372). Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Accessed on 18 April 2006.
- Davidson, Alan. Oxford Companion to Food (1999). "Snoek". p. 731
- "Thyrsites atun". FishBase. Ed. Ranier Froese and Daniel Pauly. March 2006 version. N.p.: FishBase, 2006.
- snoek fishing in False Bay, South Africa circa 1976 a selection of black and white images featuring local snoek fishermen at work.
