Fin's Fish Guide
The Bicolor jack (Hemicaranx bicolor) is a brackish-water fish of the family Carangidae that grows up to 70 cm.
Description
The bumper trevally is a jack of the family Carangidae from the eastern Atlantic off West Africa. The species grows to about 70 cm and has a streamlined, laterally compressed body with a silvery underside and a darker back, and a row of hardened scales (scutes) along the rear lateral line. Adults live mainly in coastal areas and enter brackish water. As a fast predator it hunts small fishes, shrimps and other crustaceans in schools. The bumper trevally is a local food and bycatch fish and is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Bicolor jack?
The Bicolor jack has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Hardened scales along the rear lateral line; fast, schooling coastal predator that seeks out brackish water.
Where does the Bicolor jack live?
The Bicolor jack lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Atlantic; coastal waters, rivers and estuaries of West Africa.
How big does the Bicolor jack get?
The Bicolor jack grows to a maximum of about 70 cm. On average the species is around 25 cm.
Is the Bicolor jack dangerous to humans?
No, the Bicolor jack is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Bicolor jack edible?
Yes, the Bicolor jack is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Hemicaranx
More from the family Carangidae
Want the complete picture on the Bicolor jack?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Bicolor jack is one of 12,519 species in the app.