Snoek
A long, thin snake mackerel found in the Southern Hemisphere seas.
Leionura atun is a species of snake mackerel distributed across the colder waters of the Southern Hemisphere. It serves as a major food fish in South Africa and New Zealand, supporting significant commercial fisheries and traditional diets.
- Max length reaches 200 cm, though most are smaller.
- Only known species in the genus Leionura.
- Spawns at depths between 150 and 400 metres.
- Major predator of sardines and anchovies.
- Traditional Māori food source called mangā.
What it is
This elongated, compressed fish belongs to the snake mackerel family. Adults display blue-black upper bodies with paler bellies and black dorsal fins. While they can reach two metres, most stay under seventy-five centimetres. The species possesses a single lateral line that curves downward along its flank. It is the sole member of its genus, Leionura. Its streamlined shape supports active swimming in cold, open waters.
Where it lives
The species inhabits colder seas around the globe south of the equator. Populations exist off South America from Peru to Tierra del Fuego. In the Atlantic, ranges include Tristan da Cunha and southern Africa. Indian Ocean stocks occur near Australia and Tasmania. Pacific populations extend to New Zealand. African distributions span from Angola to Algoa Bay, concentrated between Namibia and the Agulhas Bank.
How it lives
Snoeks form schools near the bottom or midwater, sometimes surfacing at night. They prefer temperatures between thirteen and eighteen degrees Celsius. Juveniles feed on small crustaceans and lanternfish. Adults target pelagic fish like sardines and anchovies, acting as key predators in their ecosystems. They are preyed upon by fur seals in South African waters. Their aggressive nature leads them to strike at moving objects.
Breeding and life cycle
Reproduction occurs during winter and spring months. Spawning takes place on continental shelf breaks at depths of one hundred fifty to four hundred metres. Eggs hatch within fifty hours. Larvae begin feeding on phytoplankton before switching to other fish larvae. Nursery areas lie north of Cape Columbine and east of Danger Point. Fish reach sexual maturity at three years old.
Fish and people
The fish holds significant economic value in South Africa and New Zealand. South African fisheries have operated since the nineteenth century using lines and trawls. In New Zealand, Māori traditionally caught it using wooden lures and bone hooks. The meat is oily and bony but flavorful. It is sold fresh, smoked, canned, or frozen. Traditional preparations include braai, stews, and preservation in kelp bags.
Status and threats
The species is classified as least concern globally. Regional populations may be discrete stocks with limited mixing. Commercial management varies by country. Overfishing pressures exist in some areas due to high demand. Conservation efforts focus on maintaining sustainable harvest levels across its wide distribution range.
Questions people ask about Snoek
Is snoek related to barracuda?
No. Despite the name barracouta used in Australasia, it is not closely related to the barracuda. It belongs to the snake mackerel family, while barracudas belong to a different group entirely.
What does snoek eat?
Adults primarily eat small fish such as sardines, anchovies, and hake. Juveniles consume crustaceans like euphausids and amphipods, as well as lanternfish. They are apex predators in their local ecosystems.
How is snoek prepared traditionally?
In South Africa, it is often braaied or made into patties. New Zealand Māori slow-cooked it in hāngī or preserved it in kelp bags. It is also commonly smoked, canned, or fried in modern cuisine.
Where does snoek spawn?
Spawning occurs between May and November on continental shelf breaks. Females release eggs at depths ranging from 150 to 400 metres, where currents transport larvae to nursery areas near the coast.
Good reading and sources
- Leionura atun on WikipediaEncyclopedia
- More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
- Wikidata recordOpen data
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Leionura atun", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). EveryFish rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes, and figures change over time. Nothing here is investment or buying advice. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-11-15.
Like Snoek
All tunas and mackerels
WorldLittle tunny
A fast, coastal tuna of the Atlantic and Mediterranean.Tuna · Coasts and shelves · 1810
WorldAtlantic bonito
A mackerel-like game fish of the Atlantic and Mediterranean.Tuna · Coasts and shelves
WorldBlue mackerel
A small, fast pelagic fish found in tropical Indo-Pacific waters.Tuna · Coasts and shelves
🇺🇸 United States and 3 morePacific bonito
Striped marine fish of the Pacific coastTuna · Coasts and shelves
