Longfin Crevalle Jack

The longfin crevalle jack is large species, growing to a maximum recorded size of 53 cm as measured by Smith-Vaniz and Carpenter in their description. Discussion on the angling merits of the species in the same publication indicate that the species grows significantly larger, recorded up to 127 cm by anglers mistaking it for C. hippos. It has a body profile similar to most of the large species in Caranx, possessing a strongly compressed approximately oblong form. The dorsal profile is much more convex than the ventral profile, with the caudal peduncle quite slender. The dorsal fin is in two parts, the first consisting of 8 spines and the second of 1 spine followed by 21 to 24 soft rays. The dorsal and anal fin lobes are slightly elongated on the species, which distinguishes from the similar crevalle jack. The anal fin consists of 2 detached spines anterior to the main bulk of the fin, which consists of 1 spine followed by 17 to 19 soft rays. The lateral line is moderately arched anteriorly, with this section containing 50 to 73 scales, while the straight section has 0 to 16 scales and 24 to 41 scutes. The breast is devoid of scales up to the origin of the pelvic fins and is separated from the base of the pectoral fins by a narrow band of scales. …

The longfin crevalle jack inhabits the subtropical waters of the east Atlantic Ocean, currently known to range from Mauritania south to at least Moçamedes in southern Angola. Publications describing historical fish specimens collected in the Mediterranean confirm Caranx fischeri was present in this region, although no recent specimens are known. The species appears to be able to travel long distances, with one adult collected from Ascension Island in the mid-Atlantic. The longfin crevalle jack appears to be primarily an inshore species based the limited data available, although captures such as those in the Ascension Island indicate the species may live pelagically. In the inshore environment they are known from reefs, as well as estuarine environments, possibly penetrating the upper reaches of rivers.

The specifics of the longfin crevalle jack's biology are not known due its recent description and previous confusion with C. hippos. It is clear that all species of crevalle jack are powerful predators, taking a variety of small, schooling fish species including herrings, other carangids and porgies of the family Sparidae. Small jacks, probably including C. fischeri also are known to take invertebrates including shrimps and crabs. Reproduction is poorly known, with spawning possibly occurring in estuaries and rivers.