| Pacific crevalle jack | |
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Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Carangiformes |
| Family: | Carangidae |
| Genus: | Caranx |
| Species: | C. caninus
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| Binomial name | |
| Caranx caninus (Günther, 1867)
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| Approximate range of the Pacific crevalle jack | |
| Synonyms | |
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The Pacific crevalle jack (Caranx caninus) is a species of large marine fish classified in the jack family Carangidae. The species is distributed through the tropical waters of the eastern Pacific Ocean from California in the north to Peru in the south, including several offshore islands. The species is best identified by its deep body and mostly unscaled breast, as well as other more detailed anatomical features. The species is known to grow to a maximum length of 101 cm and a weight of 19.7 kg. Disagreement on the status of the species has been significant in the scientific literature, with many claiming it to be conspecific with or subspecific to the Atlantic Caranx hippos (crevalle jack). The most recent review of the crevalle jacks strongly concluded it to be a separate species based on the development of hyperostosis and fin colouring. It is predominantly a schooling inshore species, inhabiting sandy and rocky substrates, although larger individuals are occasionally found living pelagically to depths of 350 m. The Pacific crevalle jack is a fast-swimming predator, taking a variety of fish, crustaceans, and other small invertebrates. Spawning is thought to occur year-round, although peaks occur during November and May. The Pacific crevalle jack is an important species to commercial fisheries, with data available from Colima in Mexico indicating it accounts for up to 15% of the entire yearly catch. Pacific crevalle jack are highly rated gamefish, taken by both bait and a variety of lures, but are considered relatively poor quality food.
- ^ Smith-Vaniz, B.; Robertson, R.; Bussing, W.; Molina, H. (2010). "Caranx caninus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2010: e.T183324A8093737. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2010-3.RLTS.T183324A8093737.en. Retrieved 20 November 2021.