Threadfin Jack - Biology and Fishery

Biology and Fishery

Much of biology and ecology of the threadfin jack is unknown, with the species diet the only studied aspect of its biology. A study in fishes of the continental shelf of Colombia found the species takes predominantly small, benthic fishes of the families Triglidae, Synodontidae and Batrachoididae. Other common prey included benthic crustaceans including various crabs and shrimps. Nothing is known of its reproductive cycle, although it has been inferred the juveniles live a pelagic lifestyle.

The threadfin jack is of some importance to fisheries throughout its range, although individual catch statistics for the species are not kept. It is often caught by hook and line methods or by gill nets and various artisanal traps. It is considered to be good to excellent table fair, and is marketed both fresh and salted. The species has also been found at a number of archaeological sites in both Panama and Ecuador, indicating it has been caught by humans for food for at least 3450 years. The threadfin jack is also of interest to anglers who catch the species occasionally, and is considered a minor gamefish. Juveniles are occasionally caught from shore based settings such as piers and breakwaters, while larger individuals are caught over deeper reefs. The species takes a variety of bait including fish and prawns, but they also take lures including hard body and small fly-like Sabiki lures.