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Jack (Selene peruviana) — Carangidae

Jack

Selene peruviana
Family: Carangidae
LC · Least Concern

The Jack (Selene peruviana) is a saltwater fish of the family Carangidae that grows up to 40 cm.

Length
40 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–50.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Rarely eaten

Description

The Peruvian moonfish is a jack (Carangidae) of the eastern Pacific. The species grows to about 40 cm and has a very deep, strongly laterally compressed, silvery body with a steep, almost vertical head profile, a shape characteristic of the moonfishes. Adults live in coastal waters to at least 50 metres and form schools near the bottom; juveniles are found near the surface. The fish feeds on small fishes and crustaceans. The Peruvian moonfish is eaten locally and is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Jack?

The Jack has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Jack live?

The Jack lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Jack get?

The Jack grows to a maximum of about 40 cm. On average the species is around 24 cm.

Is the Jack dangerous to humans?

No, the Jack is harmless to humans.

Is the Jack edible?

The Jack is rarely eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Peruaanse maanvis sourced
English name
Jack verified
Scientific name
Selene peruviana
Family
Carangidae
Other names
Pacific moonfish; Peruvian moonfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
40.0 verified
Average length (cm)
24.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Superior (upward) inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
Two separate inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
50.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

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

For anglers

Edibility
Rarely 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 Selene

More from the family Carangidae

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