Overview
Powerful pelagic fish of deep Brazilian reefs. Related to amberjack, fights with devastating runs to the bottom.
Identification
Elongated pectoral finsProminent lateral lineLarge mouth with sharp teethWidely spaced dorsal finsSilvery white bellyDark stripes on the sidesLong bodyProminent head
- Body
- Has a sturdy, streamlined body with a pointed snout.
- Colouration
- Typically bluish-silver with greenish tones on the back and a white belly, coloration changes with light and age.
- Sexual dimorphism
- Absent/not noticeable
- Growth
- Medium, grows steadily, reaching maturity in a few years.
Taxonomy
- Family
- Carangidae
- Order
- Perciformes
- Class
- Actinopterygii
Related species
Seriola dumeriliSeriola lalandiSeriola carpenteriSeriola zonataSeriola fasciata
Habitat & distribution
- Environment
- open_sea, reefs, deep_sea
- Preferred bottom
- reef, rock, sand
- Geographic distribution
- Common in tropical and subtropical areas of the western Atlantic Ocean, from the coasts of Brazil to the United States, as well as the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea.
- Micro-habitat
- Prefers deep reef areas, often near wrecks and submerged structures.
Requires areas with moderate currents allowing agile movement among prey.
Presence by sea area
Sa Atlantico SwPeak
Sa Brasile EstPeak
Sa Brasile SudPeak
Diet
- Primary prey
- pelagic fish, cephalopods, crustacean shells
- Secondary prey
- shrimp, crabs, smaller fish
- Occasional prey
- plankton, marine invertebrates
- Feeding behaviour
- Active predator, hunts aggressively and swiftly, chasing prey along reefs and submerged structures.
- Natural predators
- sharks, marine maro, greater amberjack, sea turtles
Adopts various hunting strategies depending on prey availability.
Behaviour
- Activity
- diurnal
- Social behaviour
- small_groups
- Aggressiveness
- medium
- Migration
- Occasional migrator between feeding and breeding areas
- Seasonal behaviour
- Shows increased activity during warmer months when prey is abundant.
- Juveniles
- Juveniles tend to form schools near the coast or around coral reefs.
- Adults
- Adults form small groups and are more territorial, often found near reef formations.
Reproduction
- Spawning season
- July, August, September
- Spawning depth
- between 20 and 60 meters
- Eggs
- Pelagic eggs, small in size, released in large groups.
- Larval stage
- Larvae are pelagic and transparent, developing rapidly and allowing them to move quickly to safer areas.
- Sexual maturity
- varies between 3 and 5 years
When to catch Almaco jack
Activity calendar
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
PeakGoodLowInactive
Activity by season
Best times
Dayalba, mattina, tramonto
Nightraro
This species shows peak fishing activity in spring, summer and autumn, when the productivity index (FPI) reaches its highest values.
Fishing activity decreases in winter, when conditions are less favourable.
Ideal conditions
Atmospheric pressure
Low
Rises from the depths to actively hunt.
Medium
Responds well to jigging.
High
Stays on the bottom, less reactive.
Barometric trend
Water temperature
10°COptimal zone: 14-24°C27°C
Preferred tide: moving
Where to catch it
Best spots
Tropical reefSubmerged structuresWreck areasOceanic shoals
Bottom preference
Spot type
Fishing techniques
Recommended
TrollingDriftingSputnik fishingLive bait fishing
Other applicable
SpinningShore JiggingTraina CostieraSpinning MedioBolentinoLive BaitingSpinning Pesante
Recommended baits
Live baitSquidSardinesShellfish
Baits by pressure
Low
Metal jig medio (40-100g)Paddle tail softbaitPopper medioStickbait WTDCucchiaino casting (gold/silver)Feather jigJerkbait
Medium
Sardina vivaSgombro vivoAcciuga vivaEsca viva (generica)Trancio di sardina
High
Metal jig medio (40-100g)Paddle tail softbaitPopper medio
Catch & handling tips
- Fight
- Fights vigorously with fast runs and dives, using its strength and endurance.
- Handling
- Use gloves to avoid injuries from sharp fins.
- Release
- Keep the fish moist and release quickly to minimize stress.
Curiosities & culture
- Record catches
- The current IGFA all-tackle record for Olhete is 129.27 pounds, caught in Puerto Vicente Guerrero, Mexico, in 2012. Scientific literature suggests Olhete can reach up to 47.24 inches in length and weigh over 132 pounds.
- In the kitchen
- Great grilled or in ceviche. Highly sought after in tropical cuisine.
- Cultural notes
- Valued for its fighting power, a prized catch for many sport anglers.
- Historical notes
- Traditionally caught along the Brazilian coasts by artisanal fishermen.
