Leatherjacket (Oligoplites saurus) is a saltwater, brackish species recorded in the United States. It is mainly found over reef, at depths of 0–50 m.
Scientific name: Oligoplites saurus · Water: Saltwater, Brackish
Size: up to 35 cm
The leatherjacket is a carangid found inshore along sandy beaches, in bays and inlets, entering estuaries and fresh water and preferring turbid water and mangrove areas, recorded from the surface down to 50 m. It occurs in schools that are usually large and fast-moving and often leap out of the water, and it feeds on fishes and crustaceans. Juveniles may float at the surface with the tail bent and the head down, and they have incisor-like outer teeth and act as cleaners. Maximum length is about 35 cm total length, commonly about 27 cm. It is a minor commercial species, a gamefish and an occasional bait fish. Fishing vulnerability is low to moderate at 26 of 100 and resilience high, and the price category is medium. IUCN lists it as least concern.
Caution: has venomous spines. Take great care when unhooking and handling; the sting is extremely painful.
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