SPRINGS FIELD GUIDE

Crevalle jack

FISH PROFILE

COMMON NAME

Crevalle Jack

Scientific name

Caranx hippos

FAMILY

Carangidae

LENGTH

30 to 48 inches

DIET

Small fish, shrimp, invertebrates

FISH PROFILE

COMMON NAME

Crevalle Jack

Scientific name

Caranx hippos

FAMILY

Carangidae

LENGTH

12 to 14 inches

DIET

Small fish, shrimp, invertebrates 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Crevalle Jack are characterized by laterally compressed bodies, a smooth appearance with small scales, a row of enlarged scales (scutes) near the tailfin, and a deeply forked tail. They are colored greenish-blue or bluish-black on their dorsal region and silvery-white to yellow-gold on their ventral region.

RANGE, HABITAT, and BEHAVIOR

Crevalle jack are primarily found in the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, but occasionally in fresh or brackish water, such as springs and rivers. The crevalle jack is can grow to be roughly 30 inches to as large as 48  in length and can weigh up to 70lbs . They feed primarily on small fish, shrimp, and invertebrates. Spawning occurs offshore between the months of March and September.

FUN FACTS

The crevalle jack is prey for many surface feeding carnivores, such as the striped marlin and sea birds. Caranx hippos was named in 1766 from the French word “carangue” which means a Caribbean fish, and hippos which is Greek for “horse.” It is an important sport fish and is exploited throughout its range. It is the most common large jack caught off the west coast of Florida. They may even make a distinctive grunt or croak sound when they are caught!

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