Macolor niger

The black and white 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.

The adult has a generally dull appearance; the young and juveniles bear white spots and annular stripes.

It is very similar to the midnight snapper Macolor macularis with which it coexists and is often confused, but it is distinguished by its pale complexion and black eye. It is also a little bigger.

The black and white snapper is present all year, at any time.

It is hunted through agachon or direct approach, depending on whether it has been spotted from the surface or during the dive, or after stalking at the bottom. 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, but as its maximum size rarely exceeds 2-3 kg, it can be hunted with conventional spearguns.

Unfortunately, the black and white snapper is just as bad to eat as the midnight snapper, and I would eat it neither raw nor cooked. Because of its behavior that reminds of the European sea bream and its decent size, European spearos love it, but personally I don’t shoot it anymore.