Snapjaw Hawkfish
Basic Information
Anatomy
Like all Hawkfish, the Snapjaw Hawkfish is a long, slender creature with a sleek body, triangular head, large eyes, and has a mouth full of sharp serrated teeth. Their scales interlock tightly, giving them an almost torpedo like apperance.
Genetics and Reproduction
Prior to their breeding seasons in late spring and early fall, males will hunt almost continuously, gaining weight to prepare for mating. Males will build nests in shallow clay or silt beds that are covered by vegetation, luring females over to breed and lay their eggs. Males will mate with as many females as possible, and females can reproduce 2-3 times per season. Once the eggs are laid, the females will leave guarding the nest up to the male, who will continuously guard them and only leave the nest to chase off potential predators to his offspring. He will not hunt during this time, aside from eggs that develop deformities, fungus, or otherwise go rotten. As males will often have nests with eggs in several stages of development, they will often go up to two months without a substantial meal.
During spawning and up to two weeks after all the eggs should have hatched, Snapjaws are protected from fishing, strictly on a catch and release basis, allowing them time to guard their young and ensure the next generation's survival. Freshly hatched Snapjaws will hide in moss, algae, and under rocks to develop, and as soon as they have absorbed their yolks, will disperse as far away from their birthplace as possible. Adults and large juveniles often will eat younger snapjaws, making no distinction between them and other fish.
Ecology and Habitats
The Snapjaw Hawkfish primarily dwells in clear rivers, lakes, and freshwater swamps. As it is a rather large fish, they are not usually found in creeks or streams outside of flooding or after heavy rain. They generally prefer softer water.
Dietary Needs and Habits
The Snapjaw Hawkfish is a large ambush predator that will eat any and all prey available to it. Commonly, they hunt by waiting downstream in active rivers for fish to swim by and will rush them, biting them on the head and belly until heavily injured or dead, at which point they will swallow the prey whole. They do not discriminate with their prey, even preying upon smaller members of their own kind, but also amphibians, waterfowl, the occasional wading bird, and large salmon. Attacks on people are not uncommon, but rarely deadly.
As they readily eat anything available, they are often easily baited by fishermen.
Additional Information
Geographic Origin and Distribution
This fish inhabits clear freshwater lakes, rivers, and marshes all across eastern North America. It is not found further west than the Appalachian Mountains outside of captivity or deliberate release.
Conservation Status
Least concern
Geographic Distribution
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