Distribution:

Eastern Atlantic: Portugal to Angola, including the western Mediterranean. Western Atlantic: Nova Scotia, Canada and northern Gulf of Mexico to Uruguay, including the Greater Antilles. Absent from eastern Lesser Antilles. Indian Ocean records are probably misidentifications of C. ignobilis. Reports from Pacific refer to C. caninus, which may be conspecific.

Diagnosis:

Dorsal spines (total): 9-9; Dorsal softrays (total): 19-21; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft-rays: 15-17. Scutes 25 to 42; no scales on chest, except a small mid-ventral patch in front of pelvic fins; upper profile of head steep; maxilla ending approximately below posterior edge of eye; front of soft dorsal and anal fins elevated; olivaceous to bluish green dorsally, silvery to brassy on the sides; prominent black spot posteriorly on gill cover at level of eye, another at upper axil of pectoral fins, and often a third on lower pectoral rays; caudal yellowish.

Biology:

Generally in neritic waters over the continental shelf. Ascends rivers. Juveniles abundant in brackish estuaries with muddy bottoms, near sandy beaches and on seagrass beds. Forms fast-moving schools, although larger fish may be solitary. Feeds on smaller fish, shrimp, and other invertebrates. Often grunts or croaks when caught.

Max. size: 124.0 cm

Max.weight: 32 Kg

Environment: pelagic; depth range 1 - 350 m

Climate: subtropical; 45°N - 33°S

Canary Islands country information: Name: Jurel