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Jackfish
Group

Jackfish

Carangidae, Rafinesque, 1815

marinebrackishfreshwater
Where to see it

About Jackfish

The Carangidae are a family of ray-finned fish that includes the jacks, jack mackerels, runners, trevallies, and scads. It is one of the five families in the suborder Carangoidei.

They are found in the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans. Most species are fast-swimming predatory fishes that hunt in the waters above reefs and in the open sea; some dig in the sea floor for invertebrates.

The largest fish in the family, the greater amberjack, Seriola dumerili, grows up to 2 m (6 ft 7 in) in length; most fish in the family reach a maximum length of 25–100 cm (9.8–39 in).

The family contains many important commercial and game fish, notably the Pacific jack mackerel, Trachurus symmetricus, and the other jack mackerels in the genus Trachurus.

Many genera have fairly extensive fossil records, particularly Caranx and Seriola, which extend into the early Paleogene (late Thanetian), and are known from whole and incomplete specimens, skeletal fragments, and otoliths. The several extinct genera include Archaeus, Pseudovomer, and Eastmanalepes.

Where to see it

Top-rated dive sites where divers have spotted Jackfish.

The Rays Corridor

The Rays Corridor

⭐ 5.0 (1)
French Polynesia, Tikehau Tikehau Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
Drift dive through a pass teeming with rays and sharks.
🚤 Boat Intermediate/Advanced
Aravind Wall

Aravind Wall

⭐ 4.0 Scout Score
Extensive rock wall with diverse corals and fish for advanced divers.
🚤 Boat Advanced
Kraken Freighter

Kraken Freighter

⭐ 4.0 Scout Score
United States, Texas, Galveston Texas Parks and Wildlife Artificial Reef Program
Advanced deep wreck dive on a large artificial reef.
🚤 Boat advanced
Ambrósio

Ambrósio

⭐ 5.0 Scout Score
Amazing manta ray and whale shark dives in Azores
🚤 Boat Intermediate
Blue Water Wreck

Blue Water Wreck

⭐ 4.0 Scout Score
Challenging deep wreck dive with exceptionally clear water.
🚤 Boat advanced
Neregando

Neregando

⭐ 4.0 Scout Score
Dramatic wall drift dive with abundant large shark species.
🚤 Boat advanced
Ponta Nho Jon - São Vicente, Cabo Verde
Deep pinnacle dive with strong currents and yellow sun-coral.
🚤 Boat advanced
Atun

Atun

⭐ 4.0 Scout Score
Vibrant Japanese freighter wreck, now a spectacular artificial reef.
🚤 Boat intermediate
Colosseum

Colosseum

⭐ 4.0 Scout Score
Maldives channel dive with unique amphitheatre and abundant pelagics.
🚤 Boat Intermediate
Bodu Securade

Bodu Securade

Not yet rated
Vibrant Faru drop-off with corals, caves, and schooling fish.
🚤 Boat Intermediate
Akirifushi Kandu

Akirifushi Kandu

⭐ 4.0 Scout Score
Maldivian channel with healthy corals, abundant fish, variable currents.
🚤 Boat Intermediate/Advanced
Matapalo Rock

Matapalo Rock

⭐ 4.0 Scout Score
Advanced wall dive with strong currents and dramatic topography.
🚤 Boat advanced
Aquarium

Aquarium

Not yet rated
Shallow, beginner-friendly coral garden brimming with colorful reef fish.
🚤 Boat Beginner
Vizakia Bay

Vizakia Bay

⭐ 4.0 Scout Score
Cyprus, Cape Greco Cape Greco Marine Protected Area
Easy shore dive with a shallow, life-filled rocky canyon.
👣 Shore beginner
Artifical Reef

Artifical Reef

⭐ 4.0 Scout Score
Thriving artificial reef with schooling fish and macro life.
🚤 Boat All levels
Rasdhoo Beyru

Rasdhoo Beyru

⭐ 4.0 Scout Score
Wall dive with pinnacles, frequent sharks, and macro life.
🚤 Boat All levels
Kastri

Kastri

⭐ 4.0 Scout Score
Shallow Greek dive with stunning visibility and picturesque landscape.
Beginner
Wreck Afonso Cerqueira

Wreck Afonso Cerqueira

⭐ 4.0 Scout Score
Portugal, Madeira Afonso Cerqueira National Park
An impressive, intact warship wreck serving as an artificial reef.
🚤 Boat Advanced
Dois Olhos

Dois Olhos

⭐ 4.0 Scout Score
Demanding shore dive into caves with unique crustaceans.
👣 Shore Advanced
Pefkari House Reef

Pefkari House Reef

⭐ 4.0 Scout Score
Easy shore/boat dive with diverse marine life
🚤 Shore & Boat Beginner