Fin's Fish Guide
The Mexican lookdown (Selene orstedii) is a fish of the family Carangidae that grows up to 30 cm.
Description
The Mexican lookdown is a jack (Carangidae) from coastal and estuarine water of the eastern Pacific around Central America. The species grows to about 30 cm and has a deep, strongly laterally compressed, mirror-silver body with a steep, flat forehead and a low-set mouth. As a fast, pelagic schooling fish it hunts small fish, shrimp and crustaceans in open water. It is locally a food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Mexican lookdown?
The Mexican lookdown has a flattened, disc-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.
Where does the Mexican lookdown live?
The Mexican lookdown is mostly found around open water.
How big does the Mexican lookdown get?
The Mexican lookdown grows to a maximum of about 30 cm.
Is the Mexican lookdown dangerous to humans?
No, the Mexican lookdown 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.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Selene
More from the family Carangidae
Want the complete picture on the Mexican lookdown?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Mexican lookdown is one of 12,519 species in the app.