Green Jobfish

Green Jobfish

Aprion virescens
Green Jobfish

Average Weight/Length

The average size is usually between 4 - 18 pounds, with fish weighing over 30lbs rarely caught.

Family, Genus, Class & Etymology

Family    Lutjanidae
Description    Snappers
Environment    Fresh, Brackish & Marine
Etymology    Malay, ikan lutjan, name of a fish
Genus    17
No. of Species    110
Order    Perciformes
Class    Actinopterygii
Reproductive Guild    Nonguarders
Distribution    Marine; rarely estuarine. Some species do enter freshwater for feeding. Tropical and subtropical: Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans. Dorsal fin continuous or slightly notched. Spines in dorsal fin 10-12; soft rays 10-17. Three spines in anal fin; soft rays 7-11. Pelvic fins originating just behind pectoral base. Mouth moderate to large; terminal. Jaws bearing enlarged canine teeth. Palatine teeth small. Vomer usually with small teeth. Maxilla covered by preorbital with the mouth closed. Branchiostegal rays 7. Vertebrae 24 (10 + 14). To about 1 m maximum length. Most species are predators of crustaceans and fishes, several are planktivores. Most do well in aquaria, but grow too fast. Valued as food fish but sometimes a cause of ciguatera. Generally demersal, down to depths of about 450 m.

Other "Popular" Names for this Fish

Jobfish, Gray Snapper, Gray Jobfish, Blue-Green Snapper, Green Jobfish, Ukupalu (Hawaiian), Aochibiki (Japanese), Lutiano (Italian), Vivaneau (French)

Location Habitat

Adults inhabit open waters of deep lagoons, channels, or seaward reefs. Benthopelagic. Usually seen singly, but also in groups. Feed mainly on fishes, but also on shrimps, crabs, cephalopods and planktonic organisms. uku occurs at the shallowest depths of the Hawaiian Deepwater Snappers, usually no deeper than 60 fathoms.

Biology & Physical Description

Dorsal spines (total): 10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 8.

Geographic Species Map (Fishbase.org Map)

Summary of Distribution:

Note: Distribution range colors indicate degree of suitability of habitat which can be interpreted as probabilities of occurrence (fishbase.org)

Sport Fishing Techniques

Jigging (Bottom)

Jig fishing is popular and challenging. Why? Because the person fishing is creating the action that attracts, or doesn’t attract, the particular type of fish he or she is trying to catch. Here’s how it works. Cast out and let your jig hook sink to the bottom. Then use your rod tip to raise the bait about a foot off the bottom. Then let it drop back to the bottom. You can jig up and down, side to side or up and down and sideways. Jig rigs come in all sizes, shapes and colors, and can be used with or without live bait..

Bottom Fishing

Bottom fishing is....

Vertical Hooking

Vertical Hooking is when....

Commercial Fishing Techniques

Vertical Hooking

Vertical Hooking is when....

Game Rating

Game Rating : 7.5/10

Game Description :

Very Strong bottom fish that is among the three most popular deep water snapper species in Hawaii. Uku occurs at the shallowest depths, usually no deeper than 60 fathoms.

Food Rating

Game Rating : 9/10

Game Description :

Like other snappers from Hawaii, uku has clear, pale pink flesh that is delicately flavored, moist, and firm. The meat when cooked remains moist and firm textured, simulating an almost lobster-like density and heartiness.Some chefs say that uku is slightly stronger flavored than the very delicate opakapaka, however other say uku is more similar and reminiscent to a red snappers clean and mild flavors. These fish are often underrated because they lack the outer beauty of the Opakapaka, Onaga, and Lehi. However, this shallow water Snapper, found in depths of 80 to 300 feet, is outstanding when saut'ed, poached, broiled, baked or fried. Uku harvested during the summer spawning season is often rich in natural fat, a desirable attribute for sashimi. Uku is frequently used as sashimi and is called Aochibiki in Japanese.

Picture (Fish)