Crevalle Jack
(Caranx hippos)
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Animal Type
Fish
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Exhibits
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Range
Atlantic Ocean
Overview
Crevalle jacks have steep foreheads, big eyes and downturned mouths. Juveniles have dark vertical bars on their bodies. As adults, their bodies are broad, flat and mostly silver. Dark coloration along their back ranges from blue-green to black and fades to yellow-white on their belly. This is a classic example of countershading, which serves to camouflage the fish from predators hunting both from above and below. These fish have a unique black spot at the base of each pectoral fin and on their gill cover, and their caudal fin (or tail) is a sharp C or sideways V shape.
Quick Facts
Learn more about the crevalle jack! Did you know that both its common and scientific names refer to a horse? Crevalle is derived from the Latin word caballus, which means horse. Its scientific name is Caranx hippos, and hippos is the Greek word for horse.
Crevalle jacks are native to the Atlantic Ocean. They're mostly found along the tropical and subtropical continental shelf, although they sometimes enter estuaries and tidal creeks. Their preferred habitat is natural and artificial offshore reefs, but they can also survive in deeper water. They breed from early March to early September. Eggs ride the Gulf Stream currents north along the U.S. coast; larvae and juveniles are believed to mature in seagrass beds.
Juvenile crevalle jacks feed on small fish and crustaceans; adults eat fish as well as crustaceans and other invertebrates. Adults tend to hunt in groups, with large schools working together to trap and encircle prey.
The average size for these fish ranges from 2 to 5 pounds, but 20 to 25 pounds with lengths of 20 to 25 inches isn't uncommon. Anglers have caught crevalle jacks that measure over 40 inches long and weigh more than 40 or 50 pounds. Females tend to be larger than males.
According to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, crevalle jack populations are stable. Crevalle jacks are listed as a species of least concern.
Crevalle jacks are preyed upon by large carnivorous fish and sea birds. They're also a popular sport fish targeted by anglers, although they're typically released after being caught since they're not highly sought-after as food.
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