Macolor macularis

The midnight snapper is a frequent host of coral reefs. It is almost always in a group, usually of uniform size, near a shelter such as a large coral head or caves on a drop-off. From this point of view it reminds a lot of the European sea bream.

While the adult have a generally dark complexion, juveniles bear white spots and stripes of the most beautiful aspect. Adults as juveniles are very similar to black and white snapper Macolor niger with which they are often confused but some traits clearly distinguish them: Blue intertwined lines on the operculum and yellow eye for the adult.

The midnight snapper is present all year, at any time.

It is hunted through bomb diving or stalking, depending on whether it has been spotted from the surface or during the dive, or after landing at the bottom, typically near a large coral head. Do not hesitate to extend your apnea, it will come eventually.

Because of its stocky shape and its thick scales, the midnight snapper should not be shot from too far, otherwise it will not be possible to pierce it completely, but as it weighs rarely more than 2-3 kg, it can be hunted with conventional spearguns.

Unfortunately, the midnight snapper has hard flesh and I would eat it neither raw nor cooked. Because of its behavior that reminds of the European sea bream, European spearos love it, but personally I don’t shoot it anymore. Its cousin, the black and white snapper is just as tasteless.