Caranx hippos (Crevalle Jack)

(Source: Fishbase, 2018)

Scientific Name: Caranx hippos

Common Name: Crevalle Jack

Genus: Caranx

Species: hippos

Ijaw Name: Ekwe

Family: Carangidae

Habitat: Marine /Brackish waters

Gear Type: Fishing Nets

Season of Occurrence: Dry/Rainy season

Description: The Crevalle Jack is a large, powerful fish found in both the eastern and western Atlantic, inhabiting areas from Nova Scotia to Uruguay and the Gulf of Mexico, as well as the eastern Atlantic along the European and African coasts. They often occupy tropical and subtropical coastal waters, including estuaries, bays, and brackish environments. Recognizable by a dark spot near the edge of their gill covers and at the base of their pectoral fins, Crevalle Jacks have a striking body color that shifts from brassy green or blue on top to a silvery-white belly. They’re known for their schooling behavior, where they hunt smaller fish in groups, creating commotion on the water’s surface as they drive prey into concentrated areas. These schools are sometimes spotted by their characteristic churning of the surface, which is a hallmark of their aggressive hunting style. The Crevalle Jack’s diet includes fish, shrimp, and crabs, making them a key predator in their ecosystems.