What are the various common names used to refer to the fish species Caranx lugubris?

The fish species Caranx lugubris is known by several common names, reflecting its dark coloration. These include black jack, black trevally, black kingfish, coal fish, and black ulua, particularly in Hawaii.

To which family and order of fish does Caranx lugubris belong?

Caranx lugubris belongs to the family Carangidae, commonly known as jacks or trevallies. This family is part of the order Carangiformes.

What is the geographical distribution of Caranx lugubris?

Caranx lugubris has a circumtropical distribution, meaning it is found in the oceanic, offshore waters of the tropical zones across the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans. It is particularly common around offshore islands.

Where is Caranx lugubris typically found within its oceanic range?

This species prefers deep reefs, ledges, and seamounts in clear, offshore waters. It is rarely encountered in shallow, inshore areas and is less common near continental coastlines compared to island habitats.

What are the key physical characteristics that distinguish Caranx lugubris?

Caranx lugubris is easily identified by its black to grey fins and jet-black scutes (bony plates along the lateral line). Its head also features a steep profile near the snout.

What is the maximum recorded size for Caranx lugubris?

The largest recorded length for Caranx lugubris is 1 meter (approximately 3.3 feet), and it can weigh up to 17.9 kilograms (approximately 39.5 pounds). Some sources suggest a potential length of 2.21 meters, which would make it one of the largest carangids.

How does Caranx lugubris typically behave in terms of social structure?

The black jack usually lives either individually or in small schools. It is also known to school with other fish species.

What types of prey does Caranx lugubris consume?

As a predatory fish, Caranx lugubris feeds on a variety of prey. Its diet includes different types of fish, crustaceans, and molluscs.

At what sizes do female and male Caranx lugubris reach sexual maturity?

Female Caranx lugubris reach sexual maturity at a length of 34.6 cm, while males mature at a slightly larger size of 38.2 cm.

When does spawning typically occur for Caranx lugubris in the Caribbean?

In the Caribbean region, spawning for Caranx lugubris has been observed to take place between February and September.

How well understood is the early life history of Caranx lugubris?

The early life history stages of the black jack are very poorly understood, according to available information.

What is the significance of Caranx lugubris to island fisheries?

Black jack are of considerable importance to many island fisheries, often being a significant catch. However, they are rarely encountered in fisheries located on continental shelves.

What is the reputation of Caranx lugubris regarding its edibility and sport fishing?

The species has a reputation as a gamefish, sought after by anglers. Its quality as a food fish varies, with some considering it excellent while others find it less desirable. It is also associated with cases of ciguatera poisoning.

What was the initial scientific name given to Caranx lugubris, and why is Caranx lugubris the valid name now?

The species was initially named Caranx ascensionis by Georges Cuvier. However, due to issues with the use of this name, Felipe Poey's later designation, Caranx lugubris, became the valid scientific name after taxonomic revisions and a proposal to the ICZN.

Who scientifically described Caranx lugubris, and when?

The species was first scientifically described in 1860 by the Cuban zoologist Felipe Poey in his work 'Historia Natural de la Isla de Cuba'.

What is the meaning of the specific epithet 'lugubris' used for Caranx lugubris?

The specific epithet 'lugubris' is Latin for 'mournful' or 'pertaining to mourning,' likely referencing the fish's dark coloration.

What are some specific locations where Caranx lugubris is found in the Indian Ocean?

In the Indian Ocean, Caranx lugubris is found from Natal, South Africa, eastward to northern Australia. It is also known from islands such as the Seychelles, Réunion, Mauritius, and Cargados Carajos.

Which specific islands in the Pacific are known habitats for Caranx lugubris?

In the Pacific Ocean, Caranx lugubris is found around many islands, including Hawaii, New Caledonia, and Tonga. Its range extends from parts of the Indonesian-Australian archipelago north to Japan.

What is the known range of Caranx lugubris in the Atlantic Ocean?

In the western Atlantic, Caranx lugubris ranges from North Carolina in the U.S. south to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with higher concentrations in the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico. In the eastern Atlantic, it has been reported from the Azores, Madeira, St. Paul's Rocks, Ascension Island, and the Gulf of Guinea.

What is the typical depth range inhabited by Caranx lugubris?

Caranx lugubris is a benthopelagic species that prefers deep, clear offshore waters, typically found at depths ranging from 12 to 354 meters.

Describe the body shape and head profile of Caranx lugubris.

Caranx lugubris has an oblong, compressed body shape, characteristic of the genus Caranx. Its dorsal profile is more convex than its ventral profile, and the head slopes steeply downwards from the nape to the snout, giving it an angular appearance.

What are the characteristics of the mouth and teeth of Caranx lugubris?

The mouth of the black jack is relatively large for its genus. The upper jaw contains strong outer canines and an inner band of smaller teeth, while the lower jaw has a single row of widely spaced conical teeth. The maxilla extends to beneath the center of the eye.

Detail the fin structure of Caranx lugubris, including dorsal, anal, and pectoral fins.

The dorsal fin is in two sections, with the first having 8 spines and the second having 1 spine and 20-22 soft rays. The anal fin has 2 detached anterior spines and 16-19 soft rays. Both the dorsal and anal fins have elongated lobes. The pectoral fins are falcate and longer than the head.

What are the features of the lateral line and scutes on Caranx lugubris?

The lateral line of the black jack has a pronounced anterior arch that intersects the straight posterior section below the second dorsal fin lobe. The straight section contains 26 to 32 strong scutes, and the caudal peduncle also features paired bilateral keels. The scutes themselves are black.

Describe the coloration of Caranx lugubris.

The body of the black jack is typically a uniform olive to brown or grey color along the back, lightening to a grey-blue on the underside. Its fins are grey to black, and its scutes are distinctly black. A small, dark spot may be present above the upper limit of the operculum.

How do black jacks coordinate their aggregations in certain environments?

Black jacks can coordinate their schooling behavior over coral reefs by sensing dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP), a chemical released by marine algae and corals. This chemical acts as an aggregation cue.

What specific fish species have been observed schooling with Caranx lugubris?

In the Atlantic, Caranx lugubris has been observed schooling with other jack species, specifically the almaco jack (Seriola rivoliana) and the greater amberjack (Seriola dumerili).

What does the diet of Caranx lugubris consist of, based on studies?

Studies indicate that Caranx lugubris primarily consumes fish and crustaceans. On Easter Island, this included stomatopods and isopods. In Brazil, the diet also included a variety of molluscs.

Is there any evidence of food competition involving Caranx lugubris?

In Brazil, there is some suggestion that Caranx lugubris may compete for food resources with the red snapper (Lutjanus campechanus), as their diets are nearly identical.

What unusual feeding association has been noted for Caranx lugubris?

Black jacks have been observed following spinner dolphins and feeding on their excrement, indicating a unique ecological interaction.

What is the reported sex ratio for Caranx lugubris in Jamaica?

In Jamaica, the sex ratio for Caranx lugubris has been reported as 1 male to 0.55 females, suggesting that males are nearly twice as common as females in that population.

What are the average lengths of mature male and female Caranx lugubris?

Analysis of catches suggests that the average length of mature male Caranx lugubris is approximately 50 cm, while the average length for mature females is around 48 cm.

How important is Caranx lugubris to commercial fisheries, and how is it caught?

Caranx lugubris is of moderate to high importance to commercial fisheries, particularly around offshore islands where it can be the most abundant large carangid. It is caught using various nets, traps, and hook and line methods.

How is Caranx lugubris typically marketed after being caught?

Commercially caught black jack are usually marketed fresh as whole fish. They are also processed and sold salted or dried.

What is the status of Caranx lugubris as a gamefish?

While its rarity in many areas limits its appeal to anglers, Caranx lugubris is considered an important gamefish in certain offshore locations, such as the Bahamas. It is known for putting up a strong fight.

What is the relationship between Caranx lugubris and ciguatera poisoning?

Despite being considered a good food fish in some regions, Caranx lugubris has been linked to numerous cases of ciguatera poisoning. Laboratory tests have confirmed the presence of the ciguatoxin in its flesh.

What is the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) all-tackle world record for Caranx lugubris?

The IGFA all-tackle world record for Caranx lugubris is 18.80 kg (41 lb 7 oz), caught off Hurricane Bank, Mexico, in 2013.

What taxonomic issues led to the formal conservation of the name Caranx lugubris?

The species was initially described as Caranx ascensionis by Cuvier, but this name was also used for another species (Pseudocaranx dentex). To resolve this taxonomic confusion and ensure stability, a proposal was made to the ICZN to formally conserve the specific name Caranx lugubris, which was accepted.

What are the key differences in the head profile and body shape between Caranx lugubris and other Caranx species?

While sharing a similar oblong, compressed body shape with other Caranx species, Caranx lugubris is distinguished by a particularly steep, angular head profile near the snout and a concave indent between the snout and nape, centered near the nostrils.

What are the specific counts for spines and soft rays in the dorsal and anal fins of Caranx lugubris?

The first dorsal fin of Caranx lugubris has 8 spines, while the second has 1 spine and 20-22 soft rays. The anal fin possesses 2 detached anterior spines and 16-19 soft rays.

How are the pelvic and pectoral fins of Caranx lugubris described?

The pelvic fins of Caranx lugubris contain 1 spine and 21 soft rays. The pectoral fins are described as falcate (sickle-shaped) and are longer than the head.

What is the typical habitat depth for Caranx lugubris?

Caranx lugubris is typically found in offshore waters at depths ranging from 12 to 354 meters, preferring clear oceanic environments.

What is the conservation status of Caranx lugubris?

According to the IUCN Red List (version 3.1), Caranx lugubris is classified as Least Concern, indicating it is not currently considered threatened.

What are the specific numbers of gill rakers and vertebrae for Caranx lugubris?

Caranx lugubris has a total of 23 to 30 gill rakers and possesses 24 vertebrae.

What is the significance of the term 'benthopelagic' in relation to Caranx lugubris?

The term 'benthopelagic' means that Caranx lugubris lives in the water column near the seafloor. This aligns with its preference for deep reefs and seamounts rather than surface or shallow-water environments.

Besides fish, crustaceans, and molluscs, what other potential food sources are mentioned for Caranx lugubris?

While primarily feeding on fish, crustaceans, and molluscs, there is also a noted behavior where black jacks follow spinner dolphins to feed off their excrements, suggesting a supplementary, albeit indirect, food source.

What is the role of the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN) concerning the name Caranx lugubris?

The ICZN formally accepted a proposal in 1996 to conserve the specific name Caranx lugubris, resolving taxonomic confusion that arose from earlier names like Caranx ascensionis being used for multiple species.

What is the approximate range of Caranx lugubris in the eastern Pacific Ocean?

In the eastern Pacific, the range of Caranx lugubris extends from Mexico and the Revillagigedo Islands in the north down to Costa Rica in the south.

Caranx Lugubris Wiki: Caranx Lugubris: An In-depth Exploration of the Black Jack

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Taxonomy and Naming

Scientific Classification

The Black Jack, scientifically known as Caranx lugubris, belongs to the genus Caranx within the larger family Carangidae, which is part of the order Carangiformes. This classification places it among the jacks and trevallies, a diverse group of marine fishes.

Caranx lugubris

Conservation Status
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Actinopterygii
Order:	Carangiformes
Suborder:	Carangoidei
Family:	Carangidae
Genus:	Caranx
Species:	C. lugubris
Binomial name
*Caranx lugubris* Poey, 1860

Naming History

The scientific nomenclature for the Black Jack has a complex history. Initially misidentified or confused with other species, it was first described by Felipe Poey in 1860 as Caranx lugubris. Despite an earlier name, Caranx ascensionis by Cuvier, issues with its usage led to C. lugubris being formally accepted as the valid scientific name by the ICZN in 1996, solidifying its identity in scientific literature.

The species was initially referred to by names like Scomber adscensionis and later Caranx ascensionis by Georges Cuvier. However, Poey's detailed description of Caranx lugubris from Cuba, along with his later clarifications and the taxonomic proposal by Smith-Vaniz and Randall, ultimately established C. lugubris as the correct and accepted binomial name. The specific epithet "lugubris" translates to "mournful," possibly referencing the fish's dark coloration.

Common Names

Reflecting its distinctive dark hue, the Black Jack is known by several common names across its range. These include:

Black Jack (most prevalent)
Black Trevally
Black Kingfish
Coal Fish
Black Ulua (particularly in Hawaii)

Distribution and Habitat

Global Range

The Black Jack exhibits a circumtropical distribution, inhabiting the tropical and subtropical oceanic waters of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. Its presence is noted across vast regions, from the coastlines of North Carolina in the western Atlantic to Brazil, and across the Pacific from Mexico to Costa Rica, as well as numerous islands.

Preferred Environments

This species is primarily found in deep, clear offshore waters, typically between 12 and 354 meters. It favors oceanic habitats around islands, seamounts, and deep reefs, showing a preference for these environments over shallow coastal areas. While rare in continental shelf waters, it has been recorded in lagoons in the Solomon Islands.

Physical Description

Distinctive Features

Caranx lugubris is a large carangid, capable of reaching lengths of up to 1 meter and weights exceeding 17 kg. Its body is oblong and compressed, with a pronounced convex dorsal profile, particularly steep near the snout. The head's angular appearance is a key characteristic. The fins are notably grey to black, and the scutes along the lateral line are distinctly black.

Coloration and Anatomy

The body coloration is typically a uniform olive to brown or grey, darkening to black along the back and lightening towards the ventral side. The fins are consistently dark, matching the black scutes. Anatomically, it possesses a large mouth with strong outer canine teeth and a single row of conical teeth in the lower jaw. The dorsal fin has 8 spines followed by 20-22 soft rays, and the anal fin has 2 detached spines and 16-19 soft rays. The pectoral fins are falcate and longer than the head.

Biology and Ecology

Social Behavior

Black Jacks exhibit varied social behavior, living either solitarily or in schools of up to 30 individuals. Interestingly, they have been observed to school with other species, such as almaco jacks and greater amberjacks. Research suggests they may use dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP), a chemical released by marine organisms, as a cue for aggregation over coral reefs.

Diet and Predation

As predatory fish, Black Jacks consume a varied diet. Studies indicate their prey includes a range of fish, crustaceans (such as stomatopods and isopods), and molluscs. They have also been observed following spinner dolphins to feed on their excrement, demonstrating opportunistic feeding strategies.

Reproduction and Life Cycle

Information on the reproductive biology of Caranx lugubris is limited. Sexual maturity is reached at approximately 34.6 cm for females and 38.2 cm for males. Spawning has been recorded between February and September in the Caribbean, though the precise timing and early life history stages remain poorly understood. Sex ratios in some populations suggest males are more common than females.

Relationship to Humans

Fisheries and Commerce

The Black Jack is a species of significant importance to commercial fisheries, particularly in island nations where it often constitutes a substantial portion of offshore catches. It is harvested using various nets, traps, and hook-and-line methods. The fish is marketed fresh, salted, or dried, contributing to local economies.

Gamefish and Culinary Aspects

While not a primary target for anglers globally due to its offshore habitat, the Black Jack is considered a notable gamefish in certain regions, such as the Bahamas. Its reputation as a food fish varies; some consider it an excellent table fish, while others caution against consumption due to the risk of ciguatera poisoning, a neurotoxic illness linked to certain marine toxins.

Ciguatera Risk

Several documented cases of ciguatera poisoning have been attributed to the consumption of Black Jack. This toxin is produced by dinoflagellates and bioaccumulates up the food chain. Laboratory analyses have confirmed the presence of these toxins in the flesh of Caranx lugubris, highlighting the importance of awareness regarding its consumption in endemic areas.

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References

A full list of references for this article are available at the Caranx lugubris Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional marine biology, fisheries, or food safety consultation. Always refer to official scientific documentation and consult with qualified professionals for specific needs. Never disregard professional advice because of something you have read on this website.

Particular attention should be paid to the information regarding ciguatera poisoning; consumption of seafood carries inherent risks, and this page does not constitute guidance on safe consumption practices.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Caranx Lugubris: An In-depth Exploration of the Black Jack

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Taxonomy and Naming 🏷️

📚 Scientific Classification

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🗣️ Common Names

Distribution and Habitat 🌍

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🌊 Preferred Environments

Physical Description 📏

⚫ Distinctive Features

🎨 Coloration and Anatomy

Biology and Ecology 🌿

👥 Social Behavior

🍽️ Diet and Predation

🥚 Reproduction and Life Cycle

Relationship to Humans 🎣

⚓ Fisheries and Commerce

🏆 Gamefish and Culinary Aspects

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Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Taxonomy and Naming

Scientific Classification

Naming History

Common Names

Distribution and Habitat

Global Range

Preferred Environments

Physical Description

Distinctive Features

Coloration and Anatomy

Biology and Ecology

Social Behavior

Diet and Predation

Reproduction and Life Cycle

Relationship to Humans

Fisheries and Commerce

Gamefish and Culinary Aspects

Ciguatera Risk

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice