Pacific Crevalle Jack: The Reef's Powerful Hunter

If the water near you suddenly fills with silver flashes and panicked little fish, a school of Pacific crevalle jacks may be on the hunt. These muscular jacks are a thrilling sight near Jacó. Here's how to spot them, plus five fun facts.

Pacific Crevalle Jack · Caranx caninus

How to spot the pacific crevalle jack near Jacó

Watch the open water along the edge of the reef, especially where small baitfish gather. Crevalle jacks move fast in schools, their deep silver bodies and blunt heads cutting through the water. You'll often notice the commotion before you spot the jacks themselves.

5 fun facts about the pacific crevalle jack

• The Eastern Pacific's crevalle. This is the Pacific cousin of the Atlantic crevalle jack, patrolling the coast from Mexico down to Peru.
• Built like a torpedo. Its deep, muscular body and powerful tail make it one of the strongest swimmers on the reef.
• They herd their prey. Crevalle jacks work together to corral baitfish into tight balls near the surface before striking.
• A telltale dark spot. A distinctive dark blotch on the gill cover helps tell it apart from other jacks.
• You can spot the hunt from shore. When a school attacks baitfish near the surface, the splashing and flashing is often visible from the beach.

The pacific crevalle jack is just one of many characters down there. See the whole cast in our Snorkel Jaco fish directory, or read real guest photos and reviews on the Snorkel Jaco reviews.