Family Carangidae
Jacks and Pompanos
Class: Actinopterygii (ray-finned)
Order: Perciformes

Key Features: The body of jacks and pompanos is generally compressed but there is great variability in shape.  Reef dwellers often deep-bodied, while many pelagic predators are almost torpedo shaped.   Many openwater species resemble tuna.   Small cycloid scales are often the only scales present.  Most have 2 dorsal fins, and many species have modified lateral line scales into spine-like scutes.   The caudal peduncle is slender and in most openwater species, the tail is deeply forked.   

Notable Species in the Sea of Cortez

Trachinotus rhodopus

Gafftopsail Pompano

Selene brevoortii

Mexican Lookdown

Caranx lugubris

Blackjack

 

Seriola lalandi dorsalis

Yellowtail Jack

Seriola rivoliana

Almaco Jack

Caranx speciosus

Golden Jack

Nematistius pectoralis

Roosterfish