Contents
Aprion (green apyrion) is a fish of the snapper family (reef perches). The prefix to the name is “green”. arose due to a peculiar greenish tint of the scales. The fish has an elongated, slightly squared body, covered with large scales, including part of the head. The color may vary slightly from greenish gray to bluish gray. The dorsal fin has 10 sharp rays. The tail is in the shape of a crescent. A massive head with a large mouth, on the jaws there are canine-shaped teeth. The size of the fish can reach a length of more than a meter and a weight of up to 15,4 kg. In terms of lifestyle, it is close to all reef perches. Leads a near-bottom-pelargic way of life. Most often, aprions can be found near rocky or coral reefs. The depth range is quite wide. Large fish adhere to a solitary lifestyle. They feed, like all marine predators of the bottom zone, both various invertebrates and medium-sized fish. The fish is commercial, but cases of poisoning by its meat are known. Ciguatera disease is associated with the toxin ciguatoxin, which accumulates in the muscle tissues of reef fish and is produced by microorganisms that live near reefs.
Fishing methods
The most popular amateur fishing for various types of reef perch is, of course, spinning gear. Fishing can be done both “cast” and “plumb” on the appropriate bait. Experienced anglers note the fact that aprions are very cautious, and therefore are very interesting trophy fish among snappers. When fishing “in a plumb line” or by the “drifting” method, near reefs, it is quite possible to use natural baits.
Catching aprions on spinning “cast”
When choosing gear for catching classic spinning, for catching aprions, as in the case of other reef perches, it is advisable to proceed from the principle: “trophy size + bait size”. In addition, the priority should be the approach – “onboard” or “shore fishing”. Reels should be with a good supply of fishing line or cord. In addition to a trouble-free braking system, the coil must be protected from salt water. In many types of sea fishing equipment, very fast wiring is required, which means a high gear ratio of the winding mechanism. According to the principle of operation, coils can be both multiplier and inertial-free. Accordingly, the rods are selected depending on the reel system. The choice of rods is very diverse, at the moment, manufacturers offer a large number of specialized “blanks” for various fishing conditions and types of lures. When fishing with spinning marine fish, fishing technique is very important. To select the correct wiring, it is necessary to consult experienced anglers or guides.
Catching aprions “in a plumb line”
In the difficult conditions of deep-sea reefs, the most successful fishing for snappers can be considered vertical baiting or jigging. In this case, you can use various nozzles, including natural ones. When fishing in this way at great depths, in the event of a catch, the fight will occur with a large load on the gear, so fishing rods and reels, first of all, must be powerful enough. Cords with special markings to determine the length used are very convenient.
Baits
Various spinning baits can be attributed to aprion baits: wobblers, spinners and silicone imitations. In the case of fishing at great depths, it is possible to use jigs and other equipment for vertical lure. When using baits for fishing with natural baits, you will need a small live bait or cuttings from fish meat, cephalopods or crustaceans.
Places of fishing and habitat
The main area of distribution of this fish is in the basin of the Indian and South Pacific Oceans. The most popular fishing spots for this fish are located near the Seychelles, Maldives, Southeast Asia and off the coast of Australia. As already noted, aprions are typical representatives of the reef perch family and adhere to a similar lifestyle. At the same time, they are distinguished by caution and even some fearfulness.
Spawning
Spawning, in aprions, may also differ regionally depending on the season. On average, maturation of fish occurs at the age of 2-3 years. During the spawning period they form large aggregations. Spawning is portioned, can be stretched for several months. As a rule, it is associated with the temperature regime of water, in peak values of high temperatures. Pelargic caviar.