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Blackfin jack (Hemicaranx zelotes) — Carangidae

Blackfin jack

Hemicaranx zelotes
Family: Carangidae
LC · Least Concern

The Blackfin jack (Hemicaranx zelotes) is a brackish-water fish of the family Carangidae that grows up to 35 cm.

Length
35 cm
Water
Brackish
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Large groups
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The blackfin jack is a jack (Carangidae) from the eastern Pacific. The species has a deep, laterally compressed, silvery body with dark fin tips and a row of hardened scutes along the tail base. Adults live in coastal waters and also enter brackish waters. As a fast predator it hunts small fishes and crustaceans. It is marketed fresh and salted. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Blackfin jack?

The Blackfin jack has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Blackfin jack live?

The Blackfin jack lives in brackish water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Blackfin jack get?

The Blackfin jack grows to a maximum of about 35 cm. On average the species is around 20 cm.

Is the Blackfin jack dangerous to humans?

No, the Blackfin jack is harmless to humans.

Is the Blackfin jack edible?

Yes, the Blackfin jack is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Zwartvin-horsmakreel sourced
English name
Blackfin jack verified
Scientific name
Hemicaranx zelotes
Family
Carangidae
Other names
Blackfin jack; Blackfin scad verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
35.0 verified
Average length (cm)
20.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
Two separate inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Brackish sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Large groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Hemicaranx

More from the family Carangidae

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