Species profile
Yellow Jack
Caranx bartholomaei
Identify Yellow Jack (Caranx bartholomaei) from a photo: try it free in your browser, or get unlimited IDs, no sign-up, with the CatchRules app.
At a glance
Yellow Jack (Caranx bartholomaei) is an IUCN Least Concern bony-fish species present across the CatchRules coverage area but without species-specific bag, size, or season rules tracked in our regulatory dataset.
Confirmed by 321 research-grade iNaturalist observations, with Florida, North Carolina, and Nova Scotia the top jurisdictions by observation count.
Notable details
- Can grow to about 39 inches and weigh over 15 pounds.
- Juveniles shelter beneath floating sargassum mats in the open ocean.
- Named for the yellowish tint along its belly and fins.
- Often trails manta rays and large sharks to steal disturbed prey.
- Considered good eating when caught fresh, with firm white flesh.
Where Yellow Jack are seen
Background
The yellow jack, also known as coolihoo, is a species of marine fish in the jack family, Carangidae. It is one of only two representatives of its genus present in the Atlantic Ocean, inhabiting waters off the east coast of the Americas from Massachusetts in the north to Brazil in the south, as well as a number of offshore islands. The yellow jack can be distinguished from closely related species…
Background excerpt adapted from Wikipedia's Yellow Jack article (CC BY-SA). Visit Wikipedia for the full entry.
Other bony fish on CatchRules
Frequently asked questions
What is Yellow Jack?
Yellow Jack (Caranx bartholomaei) is an IUCN Least Concern bony-fish species present across the CatchRules coverage area but without species-specific bag, size, or season rules tracked in our regulatory dataset.
What is the scientific name for Yellow Jack?
Yellow Jack is Caranx bartholomaei.
Are there fishing rules for Yellow Jack?
Yellow Jack does not currently have published fishing rules in CatchRules' curated jurisdictions. Identification, range, and habitat are still tracked above.
How can I identify Yellow Jack?
Take a photo with the free CatchRules app for iPhone or Android — on-device identification recognizes Yellow Jack along with ~1,500 other species. No sign-up, unlimited use.
Photo credit: iNaturalist / Wikipedia. Identification reference only — verify regulations with the issuing wildlife agency before retaining a catch.