What is a Bar Jack?

The bar jack is a species of fish that lives primarily in the coral reefs of the Southern Gulf of Mexico. It is also found in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of the Eastern United States as far north as New Jersey. Bar jacks are identified and named for the black bar stripe that runs along their back from their heads to their bottom tail fin. The fish are hunted for sport and food, and most are consumed in the Bahamas.

Beyond the distinctive black bar, the body of a bar jack is mostly silver and gray in appearance, and the underside of the fish is near white in coloration. The fish have been known to also have a bright blue stripe directly underneath the black bar, and because of this are also called the blue-striped cavalla. A bar jack has a scaled chest, forked tail, and its fins are longer in length than its head. Length-wise, the fish reach around 19.7 inches (50 cm), and weigh in at around 18 pounds (8.2 kg).

Bar jacks are found concentrated around the Bahamas and the West Indies, and move back and forth between large coral reefs in the region. They can be easily seen by scuba divers in the area and are also frequently caught by sports fisherman. The bar jack is eaten routinely in the Bahamas region, but caution is advised because it has been known to cause cases of Ciguatera poisoning. This is result of a toxin the fish pick up from the coral reefs which is spread by dinoflagellates.

Juvenile bar jacks do have the full black bar along their backs, and instead have a broken segmented black stripe. Once they reach maturity, the full black bar develops. Young bar jacks also do not hunt in the same way as adults, and instead depend on scavenging and bottom-feeding. A juvenile bar jack follows around larger fish, such as stingrays, and eats from their debris. The immature fish also eat zoo plankton found floating near the water's surface.

Adult bar jacks eat smaller fish and invertebrates such as shrimp. They hunt only during they day, and have almost no nocturnal activity. Bar jacks have a full set of teeth, with two rows on top, and one row on bottom. They are not listed as a threatened or endangered species. The fish are eaten by dolphins and other predators, such as the king mackerel, the cero mackerel, and the greater amber-jack.

A Bar Jack, scientifically known as Caranx ruber, is a sleek, fast-swimming fish commonly found in the western Atlantic Ocean. It's easily recognizable by its dark longitudinal stripe running from head to tail and its vibrant blue upper body. This species is a member of the jack family, Carangidae, known for their speed and agility in the water.

Bar Jacks are typically found in the warm, clear waters of the western Atlantic, from New Jersey to Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. They prefer shallow reefs, often seen darting among the coral and rocks, and can also be found in seagrass beds and near the surface over deep water.

Bar Jacks are carnivorous predators, feeding primarily on small fish and invertebrates. They are known for their speed and agility, which they use to chase down prey such as shrimp, squid, and smaller fish. Their diet contributes to their role as important predators in maintaining the balance of reef ecosystems.

Bar Jacks reproduce through a process called broadcast spawning, where females release eggs and males release sperm into the water column simultaneously. This usually occurs in large groups, increasing the likelihood of fertilization. The eggs are then left to develop on their own, with no parental care provided.

Yes, Bar Jacks play a crucial role in their ecosystem as both predators and prey. As mid-level predators, they help control the populations of smaller fish and invertebrates, while also serving as a food source for larger predatory fish. This balance is essential for the health of coral reef communities.

Yes, the Bar Jack is considered a game fish due to its fighting ability and speed, making it a fun challenge for anglers. While not typically sought after for commercial fishing, recreational fishers appreciate the Bar Jack for its spirited resistance when hooked. However, they are not generally regarded as a good eating fish due to their strong flavor.