Family Carangidae

Jacks

Selected Characters: Caudal fin deeply forked; two detached spines anterior to anal fin; main lateral line arched anteriorly and straight posteriorly, straight portion partly covered by a row of scutes; accessory lateral line present near dorsal fin base.

This is a large family whose 140 species are found in the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian oceans. The Jack Mackerel is the only species which occurs in Puget Sound. It is a pelagic jack which can be found near the surface or at depths up to 180 meters or more. It often swims in large schools and feeds on a variety of pelagic invertebrates and small fishes. This species is usually found offshore and is a rare visitor to Puget Sound.

Puget Sound Species

Trachurus symmetricus Jack Mackerel