Keys to Identifying the Jacks
Florida has a variety of jack species, and their similar appearance sometimes leads to misidentification. Knowing a few of the key distinguishing characteristics for each species can make the identification process easy.
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Florida Jacks |
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Greater Amberjack  |
Size: Commonly 10–40 lb. (max. 140 lb.) Stripe: Front of eye to 1st dorsal Fin Height: 2nd dorsal more than double height of 1st dorsal Color: Amber colored streak from eye to tail Body Shape: More elongated and rounder (less laterally compressed) than Lesser AJ and Almaco |
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Lesser Amberjack  |
Size: Commonly 2–7 lb. (max. 12 lb.) Stripe: Eye to top of head in front of 1st dorsal Fin Height: 2nd dorsal less than double height of 1st dorsal Body Shape: Less elongated and less round (more laterally |
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Almaco Jack  |
Size: Commonly 10–30 lb. (max. 80 lb.) Stripe: Eye to 1st dorsal Fin Height: 2nd dorsal 3–4 times height of 1st dorsal Fin Location: Anal fin starts nearly as far forward as 2nd dorsal Body Shape: Less elongated and less round than Greater AJ |
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Banded Rudderfish  |
Size: Commonly 2–3 lb. (max. 10 lb.) Stripe: Dark eye stripe and 6 dark bars in juveniles only Fin Height: 2nd dorsal 2 times height of 1st dorsal Color: Greenish to blue in color above lateral line Body Shape: More elongated and rounder than Lesser AJ Tail: White tips on tail
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Jack Crevalle  |
Size: Commonly 3–20 lb. (max. 50 lb.) Color: Bright yellow on lower portions of body and fins, Pectoral Fins: Long yellow pectoral fins with black spot at base Body Shape: Deep body with rounded head and blunt nose |
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