Fish Identification Photos: Threadfin Jack, Thread Pompano, Carangoides otrynter: The Threadfin Jack is one of the rarer members of the Carangidae or Jack Family found in Mexican waters.

The Threadfin Jack is characterized by its angular head profile, elongated filamentous anal and dorsal fins, and long pectoral fins. Overall, the Threadfin Jack is silver to silver-gray in color and as a distinguishing black spot at the top of its gill cover.

The Threadfin Jack also has strong visible scutes and an arched mid-lateral line with the curved part being equal in length to the straight part. It has a long continuous scale-free area on the breast and pectoral fin base.

The Threadfin Jack is very similar to and very difficult to differentiate from the African Pompano, Alectis ciliaris, which has a blunt snout and scale-free body with the juveniles having multiple, very long anal and dorsal fin rays.

The Threadfin Jack is a coastal pelagic species found in all Mexican waters south of Guerrero Negro along the Pacific side of the Baja California peninsula, in the lower three-fourths of the Sea of Cortez, along mainland Mexico to Guatemala, and around all oceanic islands.

The Threadfin Jack is found in the first 150 feet of the water column. It is reported to reach a length of 2 feet and is viewed by locals as excellent table fare.

Threadfin Jack, Carangoides otrynter: Juvenile. Caught in predawn hours on a Sabiki Rig just off the La Playita breakwater, San Jose del Cabo, Baja California Sur, Mexico, in November 2007. Size, approximately 8 inches. Photo courtesy of John Snow. Threadfin Jack, Carangoides otrynter: The first pictured was caught with Captain Pata in the panga Salome, La Playita, San Jose del Cabo, Baja California Sur, Mexico, in 70-degree water, midmorning in February 2001, in 50 to 100-foot deep water, utilizing 30-pound test, with a 40-pound two dropper loop rig, no swivel, 3-ounce bank sinker, and Mustad 92553 hooks, size 2/0, on a live sardina, about 30 miles north of La Playita. Size approximately 16 inches and 6 pounds. Strong battler. Viewed by locals as good table fare. The second Threadfin Jack pictured was caught in November 2003, by my amigo Brian, in a similar fashion. Description and photos courtesy John Snow. Threadfin Jack, Carangoides otrynter: Caught by Peter Langstraat from a panga at Punta Colorada, East Cape, Baja California Sur, Mexico, June 1999, on a Rapala and 12-pound line. Length 17 inches. Description and photo courtesy Peter Langstraat. Threadfin Jack, Carangoides otrynter: East Cape, Baja California Sur, Mexico. Photo courtesy Trout Traubman. Fish I.D. by Peter Langstraat.