Horse-Eye Jack in Cozumel
Horse-Eye Jack (Caranx latus) in Cozumel: how to identify it, where it is reliably seen, and what it is commonly confused with.
A deep silver body with a very large eye, a yellow tail, and a steep forehead. Travels in tight schools that hang in the blue and turn as one.
Quick ID
| Scientific name | Caranx latus |
|---|---|
| Group | Predators & Big Fish |
| Typical size | 40–75 cm |
| Depth range | 5–40 m |
| When to see it | Year-round |
| Active | Daytime |
| Conservation status | Least Concern |
| Notes | — |
Where You Will See It In Cozumel
Mid-water off the wall at Santa Rosa, Palancar and Punta Sur, usually seen looking away from the reef rather than at it.
Reliable sites: Santa Rosa Wall, Palancar Caves, Punta Sur.
Behaviour
Schooling predators that use the current line. Schools compress and flash when they turn, which is the moment most divers notice them.
Commonly Confused With
- Bar jack — Bar jack has a black-and-blue stripe running along the back and into the lower tail lobe, and is usually solitary or in pairs.
- Crevalle jack — Crevalle has a blunter head and a black spot on the pectoral fin.
Diving Etiquette And Safety
Nothing required. Look away from the reef during a drift — most divers miss them by staring at coral.
Part of the Cozumel marine life guide · see Cozumel dive sites · plan your Cozumel dive trip
Photo: Andy Blackledge, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Horse-Eye Jack Photos
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a horse-eye jack and a bar jack?
Do they school?
Where do you see them?
Are they dangerous?
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