The species is distributed through the tropical waters of the eastern Pacific Ocean from California in the north to Peru in the south, including several offshore islands.

Disagreement on the status of the species has been significant in the scientific literature, with many claiming it to be conspecific with or subspecific to the Atlantic Caranx hippos (crevalle jack).

The most recent review of the crevalle jacks strongly concluded it to be a separate species based on the development of hyperostosis and fin colouring.

It is predominantly a schooling inshore species, inhabiting sandy and rocky substrates, although larger individuals are occasionally found living pelagically to depths of 350 m. The Pacific crevalle jack is a fast-swimming predator, taking a variety of fish, crustaceans, and other small invertebrates.

The Pacific crevalle jack is an important species to commercial fisheries, with data available from Colima in Mexico indicating it accounts for up to 15% of the entire yearly catch.

Pacific crevalle jack are highly rated gamefish, taken by both bait and a variety of lures, but are considered relatively poor quality food.

[7] The species ranges along the western American coastline from Lobos de Tierra Island, Peru[8] in the south and north to San Diego Bay, California.

[8] Pacific crevalle jack are also common in estuaries, usually as juveniles which preferentially inhabit these environments, but also as adults that make their way into brackish waters and tidal streams.

[13] The Pacific crevalle jack is a relatively large fish, growing to a maximum recorded size of 101.6 cm in length and 19.7 kg in weight.

[3] The Pacific crevalle jack is a bluish-green to bluish-black dorsally, fading to a silvery white or golden shade ventrally.

[14] The species is a strong, fast swimming predator that takes predominantly small fish, as well as crustaceans such as prawns and various other benthic invertebrates,[11] although no detailed data on diet has been collected.

[16] The Pacific crevalle jack is of high importance to fisheries throughout its range, with the abundance of the species allowing for large catches by commercial fishermen.

The Pacific crevalle jack is also a major target for anglers throughout its range, and can be taken by live bait as well as various lure types including surface poppers and fast retrieved metal slugs and spoons.

[8] Despite the large numbers taken, the Pacific crevalle jack is considered a second or third class commercial product, fetching fairly low prices at market.