Circumglobal, in subtropical waters, and with a series of disjunct poplulations. Indo-Pacific: South Africa, Walter Shoals, Amsterdam Island, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, New Caledonia, Hawaii, Rapa, Pitcairn Island, and Easter Island. Eastern Pacific: British Columbia, Canada to Chile. Eastern Atlantic: St. Helena, South Africa.

The only jack without scutella on the caudal peduncle. Dark blue dorsally and almost white ventrally; with a well defined line of demarcation between the two colors.

Pelagic and demersal species found in coastal and oceanic waters, off kelp beds and rocky areas, sometimes entering estuaries. They are solitary or occur in small groups and can be found near rocky shores, reefs and islands. Schools of juveniles are generally found in offshore waters, often near or beyond the continental shelf.