Opakapaka (Crimson Snapper)
- Customer pickup,
- Courier
- In detail
- BrandSnapper
- Type of fishMarine
I. Biological Description
Uku (Aprion virescens) is commonly known as a snapper or jobfish. Among the three most popular deep water snapper species in Hawaii, uku occurs at the shallowest depths, usually no deeper than 60 fathoms.
Most of the uku catch is between 4 and 18 pounds round weight. Fishermen rarely catch uku less than 1-2 pounds or over 30 pounds.
II. Of Special Interest For Buying/Distributing
Availability And Seasonality: Although uku is caught year round in Hawaii, the greatest availability is during its spawning season (May-July).
Fishing Methods: Uku is harvested mostly with vertical hook-and-line gear, however it is the only snapper in Hawaii regularly caught near the surface with trolling lures. Commercial fishermen have also used special bottom longline rigs to capture uku.
Distribution: Fishermen sell uku through the fish auctions, through intermediary buyers on the major islands, and directly to retail fish markets and restaurants.
Substitution: The summer uku season is entirely out of phase with the winter peak for other deep water snappers (opakapaka, onaga), offering numerous substitution opportunities.