Fin's Fish Guide
The Shortjaw leatherjack (Oligoplites refulgens) is a brackish-water fish of the family Carangidae that grows up to 28 cm.
Description
The shortjaw leatherjacket is a jack (Carangidae) from the eastern Pacific. The species has an elongate, laterally compressed, silvery body with a series of free spinelets before the dorsal and anal fins. Adults live in coastal waters, tolerate low salinity and temporarily enter estuaries. As a fast predator it hunts small fishes and crustaceans. The free dorsal and anal fin spines are connected to venom glands and can give a painful puncture wound.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Shortjaw leatherjack?
The Shortjaw leatherjack has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Separate small fin spines connected to venom glands; tolerates low salinity in estuaries.
Where does the Shortjaw leatherjack live?
The Shortjaw leatherjack lives in brackish water and is mostly found around open water. Eastern Pacific; coastal waters and estuaries.
How big does the Shortjaw leatherjack get?
The Shortjaw leatherjack grows to a maximum of about 28 cm. On average the species is around 20 cm.
Is the Shortjaw leatherjack dangerous to humans?
The Shortjaw leatherjack is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. The fin spines are venomous and give a painful, burning puncture wound. Immerse the wound for 30-90 minutes in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45 C) and seek medical care if pain or infection persists.
Is the Shortjaw leatherjack edible?
The Shortjaw leatherjack is rarely 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 Shortjaw leatherjack?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Shortjaw leatherjack is one of 12,519 species in the app.