Leatherjacket fish

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

iLeatherjacket fish
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Order: Perciformes Family: Carangidae Genus: Oligoplites Species: O. saurus
Binomial name
Oligoplites saurus (Bloch & Schneider, 1801)

The leatherjacket fish, skipjack or leather jack, Oligoplites saurus, is a jack and member of the Carangidae family. Leather jack may also refer to other members of the Carangidea family, such as the pilot fish.

Leatherjack may also refer to the smooth leatherjacket, a member of the Monacanthidae family.

Contents 1 Description 2 Distribution 3 Feeding Habits 4 Edibility 5 References 6 External links

[edit] Description

"Slender, compressed shape with pointed head and large jaws for its size. Leathery skin is green above and silvery on the sides. Sharp spines on dorsal and anal fins can administer very painful puncture wounds." ^[1] Size is seldom above 12 inches, although somewhat larger specimens have been reported.

[edit] Distribution

The leatherjack fish inhabits shallow waters of the Gulf of Mexico and southern Atlantic coast.

[edit] Feeding Habits

It voraciously devours small fish and shrimp, often in company with larger predatory species.

[edit] Edibility

It is usually not eaten, however, the leatherjacket fish is edible and has a mild oily taste similar to spanish mackerel or bluefish.

[edit] References

1. ^ Sport Fish of Florida, First Edition, Florida Sportsman, 2000

• Oligoplites saurus (TSN 168673). Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Accessed on 24 January 2006.

[edit] External links

• Fish and Wildlife Service
• Smithsonian Marine Station
• FishBase