Fin's Fish Guide
The Cottonmouth jack (Uraspis secunda) is a saltwater fish of the family Carangidae that grows up to 50 cm.
Widespread in warm and temperate seas worldwide, pelagic above the outer edge of the continental shelf and near deeper reefs.
Description
The cottonmouth jack is a sturdy jack of the family Carangidae reaching about 50 cm. The laterally compressed body is dark silvery-grey; young fish bear several dark cross-bands. Characteristic is the strikingly white mouth and tongue cavity, from which the name 'cottonmouth' derives. Along the tail base runs a row of bony scutes, typical of the family. The species lives pelagically above the outer edge of the continental shelf and near deeper reefs in warm seas worldwide. In loose schools it hunts small fish, shrimps and crustaceans. It is caught irregularly and has tasty flesh.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Cottonmouth jack?
The Cottonmouth jack has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Sturdy horse mackerel with a strikingly white mouth and tongue cavity; young fish have dark vertical bars, adult fish are dark silvery grey.
Where does the Cottonmouth jack live?
The Cottonmouth jack lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. Widespread in warm and temperate seas worldwide, pelagic above the outer edge of the continental shelf and near deeper reefs.
How big does the Cottonmouth jack get?
The Cottonmouth jack grows to a maximum of about 50 cm. On average the species is around 40 cm.
Is the Cottonmouth jack dangerous to humans?
No, the Cottonmouth jack is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Cottonmouth jack edible?
Yes, the Cottonmouth 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 Uraspis
More from the family Carangidae
Want the complete picture on the Cottonmouth jack?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Cottonmouth jack is one of 12,519 species in the app.