| Family: |
Scombridae (Mackerels, tunas, bonitos), subfamily: Scombrinae |
| Max. size: |
110 cm FL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 35 kg; max. reported age: 12 years |
| Environment: |
pelagic-oceanic; marine; depth range 0 - 260 m, oceanodromous |
| Distribution: |
Cosmopolitan in tropical and warm-temperate waters. Not found in the Black Sea. Highly migratory species, |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 14-16; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14-15; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 14-15; Vertebrae: 41-41. This species is distinguished by the following characters: body fusiform, elongate and rounded; teeth small and conical, in a single series; gill rakers on first gill arch numerous, 53-63; D1 XIV-XVI, dorsal fins separated by a small interspace (not larger than eye), the second followed by 7-9 finlets; anal fin followed by 7-8 finlets; pectoral fins short, with 26-27 rays; 2 flaps (interpelvic process) between pelvic fins; body scaleless except for corselet and lateral line; a strong keel on each side of caudal-fin base between 2 smaller keels. Colour of back dark purplish blue, lower sides and belly silvery, with 4-6 very conspicuous longitudinal dark bands which in live specimens may appear as discontinuous lines of dark blotches (Ref. 9684). |
| Biology: |
Found in offshore waters; larvae restricted to waters with surface temperatures of 15°C to 30°C (Ref. 6390). Exhibit a strong tendency to school in surface waters with birds, drifting objects, sharks, whales and may show a characteristic behavior like jumping, feeding, foaming, etc. Feed on fishes, crustaceans, cephalopods and mollusks; cannibalism is common. Spawn throughout the year in the tropics, eggs released in several portions (Ref. 35388). Eggs and larvae are pelagic (Ref. 6769). Preyed upon by large pelagic fishes (Ref. 6885). Also taken by trolling on light tackle using plugs, spoons, feathers, or strip bait (Ref. 9684). Marketed fresh, frozen or canned (Ref. 9340, 9684 ); also dried-salted and smoked (Ref. 9987). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 15 January 2021 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
reports of ciguatera poisoning |
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