Fin's Fish Guide
The Castin leatherjack (Oligoplites saliens) is a brackish-water fish of the family Carangidae that grows up to 50 cm.
Description
Oligoplites saliens, the castin leatherjacket, is a slender, strongly laterally compressed jack of the family Carangidae from coastal waters of eastern South America. The species has a silvery body with a leathery skin and separate finlets behind the dorsal and anal fins, and reaches about 50 cm. Adults live over soft bottoms of the continental shelf, often inshore and in estuaries, but also pelagically throughout the water column. They can filter plankton from the water by swimming with an open mouth. Juveniles feed mainly on planktonic crustaceans. The species is of local fishery importance.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Castin leatherjack?
The Castin leatherjack has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Leathery skin and separate small fins (finlets); can filter plankton from the water.
Where does the Castin leatherjack live?
The Castin leatherjack lives in brackish water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Coastal waters and estuaries of eastern South America.
How big does the Castin leatherjack get?
The Castin leatherjack grows to a maximum of about 50 cm. On average the species is around 35 cm.
Is the Castin leatherjack dangerous to humans?
No, the Castin leatherjack is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Castin leatherjack edible?
The Castin leatherjack is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Oligoplites
More from the family Carangidae
Want the complete picture on the Castin leatherjack?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Castin leatherjack is one of 12,519 species in the app.