Crevalle jack (Caranx hippos) is a saltwater, brackish species recorded in the United States. It is found at depths of 1–350 m.
Scientific name: Caranx hippos · Water: Saltwater, Brackish
Size: up to 124 cm
The crevalle jack is a carangid of neritic waters over the continental shelf, from shallow flats along the coastline to offshore waters, recorded from 1 to 350 m. It is an Atlantic species restricted to continental shelf areas, the Mediterranean excluded. Adults ascend rivers, and juveniles are abundant in brackish estuaries with muddy bottoms, near sandy beaches and on seagrass beds, entering lagoons, mangroves and the lower courses of rivers. They form fast-moving schools, although larger fish may be solitary, and they feed on smaller fishes, shrimps and other invertebrates, often grunting or croaking when caught; the eggs are pelagic. Maximum length is about 124 cm total length, commonly about 75 cm, and it matures at about 66 cm. It is a commercial species and a gamefish. Fishing vulnerability is moderate at 41 of 100 and resilience medium, the price category is medium, and climate vulnerability is high at 62 of 100. IUCN lists it as least concern.
Caution: large individuals carry a ciguatera risk. Heat, cold and marinating do not remove the toxin, which concentrates in the liver, roe and head, so avoid eating those parts. Seek medical help if numbness, tingling or a reversed sense of hot and cold follows a meal.
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