Caranx melampygus is the most common jack found on Maldivian reefs, and it is known for its vibrant colors and lack of shyness towards divers. This species is most active during the early morning and late afternoon, but it also hunts at night.
Details
§ 01
size
Max. 1 m
color
Body greenish blue above, silvery below. Irregularly scattered black spots on head and body. Fins blue. Fins of juveniles and young adults pale to dusky, except pectorals, which are yellow.
This species is typically found in offshore areas, usually at depths between 3-40 m, and is commonly associated with coral reefs. It tends to live alone or in small schools, and its diet consists mainly of fish and crustaceans.
distinctive characters
The first dorsal fin has 8 spines, the second dorsal fin has 1 spine and 21-24 rays, the anal fin has 2 detached spines followed by 1 spine and 17-20 rays, and the total number of gill rakers (including rudiments on the first arch) is 25-29. The dorsal profile of the head and the ventral profile are nearly straight, the anterior rays of the dorsal, pectoral and anal fins are falcate, the breast is fully scaled, and the entire straight part of the lateral line has scutes.