Oligoplites saurus (Bloch & Schneider, 1801)

Common Name and Taxonomy

Oligoplites saurus, commonly called the leatherjacket fish or leather jack, is a species of jack in the family Carangidae. Note that the name "leather jack" can also refer to other members of the Carangidae family, such as the pilot fish.

Size

The largest individuals of this species reach about one foot in length.

Subspecies Count

There are two recognized subspecies of Oligoplites saurus.

Nominate Subspecies Distribution

The nominate subspecies, O. s. saurus, is distributed in the western Atlantic Ocean, ranging from Chatham, Massachusetts south along the U.S. coast, throughout the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea, and along the South American coast as far south as Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

Second Subspecies Distribution

The second subspecies, O. s. inornatus, is found in the eastern Pacific Ocean, ranging from southern Baja California, through most of the Gulf of California to Ecuador, and includes the Galapagos and Malpelo Islands.

Human Consumption History

Traditionally, leatherjacket was not consumed as food, but large-scale farming of the fish has made it commonly available at markets in recent times.

Flavor Profile

The fish has a mild, oily flavor similar to that of Spanish mackerel or bluefish.

Predation on Juveniles

Juvenile Oligoplites saurus living in seagrass beds are occasionally preyed on by blue swimmer crabs.