Fin's Fish Guide
The Longjaw leatherjacket (Oligoplites altus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Carangidae that grows up to 56 cm.
Description
The longjaw leatherjacket (Oligoplites altus) is a jack of the eastern Pacific, from Mexico to Peru. It grows to 56 centimetres and lives in salt and brackish coastal water. The elongate, fairly deep and laterally compressed body is grey to brown above with silvery, yellow-tinted flanks. Distinctive is the large mouth whose upper jaw reaches beyond the eye; small, needle-shaped scales lie embedded in the skin. The dorsal fin spines connect to venom glands and can cause painful wounds. The fish is marketed fresh and salted or dried.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Longjaw leatherjacket?
The Longjaw leatherjacket has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Large mouth with a far-extending upper jaw and needle-shaped scales in the skin; dorsal fin spines connected to venom glands.
Where does the Longjaw leatherjacket live?
The Longjaw leatherjacket lives in brackish water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Eastern Pacific from Mexico to Peru; salt and brackish coastal water.
How big does the Longjaw leatherjacket get?
The Longjaw leatherjacket grows to a maximum of about 56 cm. On average the species is around 30 cm.
Is the Longjaw leatherjacket dangerous to humans?
The Longjaw leatherjacket is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. The fin spines are venomous; a prick causes severe, burning pain. Clean the wound, immerse it for 30-90 minutes in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45 C), and seek medical care if pain, swelling or infection persists.
Is the Longjaw leatherjacket edible?
Yes, the Longjaw leatherjacket is commonly 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 Longjaw leatherjacket?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Longjaw leatherjacket is one of 12,519 species in the app.