The leatherjacket fish, skipjack or leather jack, Oligoplites saurus, is a jack and member of the Carangidae family. Leather jack may also refer to other members of the Carangidea family, such as the pilot fish.

Leatherjack may also refer to the smooth leatherjacket, a member of the Monacanthidae family.

Description

"Slender, compressed shape with pointed head and large jaws for its size. Leathery skin is green above and silvery on the sides. Sharp spines on dorsal and anal fins can administer very painful puncture wounds." Size is seldom above 12 inches, although somewhat larger specimens have been reported.

Distribution

The leatherjack fish inhabits shallow waters of the Gulf of Mexico and southern Atlantic coast.

Feeding Habits

It voraciously devours small fish and shrimp, often in company with larger predatory species.

Edibility

It is usually not eaten, however, the leatherjacket fish is edible and has a mild oily taste similar to spanish mackerel or bluefish.

References

External links

• Fish and Wildlife Service
• Smithsonian Marine Station
• FishBase