Fin's Fish Guide
The Senegal jack (Caranx senegallus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Carangidae that grows up to 100 cm.
Eastern Atlantic along the coast of West Africa, pelagic in coastal water; young fish also in estuaries and lagoons, tolerate brackish water.
Description
The Senegal jack is a powerful, silvery jack of the family Carangidae reaching about 1 metre. The streamlined, laterally compressed body has a high, steep forehead and bears a row of strong, bony scutes along the tail base, characteristic of the family. The species lives pelagically in coastal water along the West African coast; young fish also enter estuaries and lagoons and tolerate brackish water. In fast schools it hunts schooling fish, shrimps, squid and crustaceans, chasing them down with short bursts. With its firm flesh the Senegal jack is an important commercial fish and a prized, hard-fighting sport fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Senegal jack?
The Senegal jack has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Powerful, silvery scad with a high forehead and a row of bony scutes along the caudal peduncle; a fast schooling hunter.
Where does the Senegal jack live?
The Senegal jack lives in brackish water and is mostly found around open water. Eastern Atlantic along the coast of West Africa, pelagic in coastal water; young fish also in estuaries and lagoons, tolerate brackish water.
How big does the Senegal jack get?
The Senegal jack grows to a maximum of about 100 cm. On average the species is around 50 cm.
Is the Senegal jack dangerous to humans?
No, the Senegal jack is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Senegal jack edible?
Yes, the Senegal jack is a highly prized food fish.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Caranx
More from the family Carangidae
Want the complete picture on the Senegal jack?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Senegal jack is one of 12,519 species in the app.