Robalo-de-barbatana-curta
The blackfin snook (Centropomus medius) is a Pacific-coast snook native to the eastern Pacific from Mexico through Central America and into South America.
Smaller than its Atlantic relatives, it tops out around 65 cm and 3 kg, but carries the same underslung jaw, warm-water estuary habits, and light-tackle appeal that make the snook family worth chasing wherever they swim.
Scientific Name: Centropomus medius
Also known as Blackfin Snook, Pacific blackfin, Robalo aleta prieta, Gualaje aleta manchada, Gualajo cariseco, Róbalo de aleta obscura, Crossie à nageoire noire
- Dark or dusky pectoral and pelvic fins — the feature that gives this species its "blackfin" name and sets it apart from other Pacific snook at a glance.
- The body is elongated and laterally compressed with a concave snout profile and a black lateral stripe; the stripe is present but tends to be less bold than on larger Atlantic snook species.
- Smaller overall than common snook — most fish run well under 50 cm; the maximum recorded is 65 cm (about 26 inches) and 3.1 kg (roughly 7 lbs).
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- Native to the eastern Pacific coast, ranging from Mexico south through Central America and into South America — the Pacific-side counterpart to the Atlantic snook complex.
- Warm, shallow coastal environments are its core: estuaries, river mouths, mangrove edges, and tidal creeks where salinity shifts constantly and baitfish concentrate.
Specific Spots
- Undercut banks and overhanging vegetation give this species a ceiling to work under — fish pin baitfish against these edges rather than chasing them in open water.
- Current seams where tidal flow narrows through a creek or around a point are productive holding zones; the fish sit just off the main push where they can intercept prey without fighting the current.
Robalo-de-barbatana-curta FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Robalo-de-barbatana-curta?
Soft-plastic jerkbaits and paddle-tail swimbaits on light jig heads are versatile across estuary and creek-mouth situations, vary the retrieve speed until fish respond. Shrimp imitations in soft plastic, or live shrimp where legal, are a reliable fallback when fish are keyed on crustaceans in tidal shallows.
What flies work for Robalo-de-barbatana-curta?
Sparse baitfish streamers, a Clouser Minnow (which rides hook-up to avoid snags) in chartreuse/white or olive/white, cover most estuary and creek-mouth situations where this species feeds.
What do Robalo-de-barbatana-curta eat?
Small baitfish and shrimp make up the bulk of the diet, the same forage that drives snook fishing across the family. Soft-plastic swimbaits, shrimp imitations, and small hard plugs all match what this fish is eating in estuaries and tidal creeks.
Where do Robalo-de-barbatana-curta live?
Native to the eastern Pacific coast, ranging from Mexico south through Central America and into South America, the Pacific-side counterpart to the Atlantic snook complex.
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