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The Atlantic Bumper (Chloroscombrus chrysurus) is a small, schooling marine fish belonging to the family Carangidae, which includes jacks and pompanos. It is characterized by its compressed, oval-shaped body and a distinctive yellow caudal fin. This species is an important component of coastal ecosystems, serving as both a predator of small invertebrates and a prey item for larger piscivorous fish.
Physical Characteristics
- Body shape
- compressed
- Coloration
- Silvery-blue to greenish-blue dorsally, fading to silvery-white ventrally. A prominent black spot is present on the upper operculum and at the base of the pectoral fin. The caudal fin is distinctly yellow, especially in adults.
- Scale type
- cycloid
- Mouth position
- terminal
- Distinctive features
- Deeply compressed, oval body, Small, terminal mouth, Two dorsal fins, the first with 8 spines, the second with 1 spine and 25-28 soft rays, Anal fin with 2 detached spines followed by 1 spine and 20-22 soft rays, Prominent black spot on the upper operculum and at the base of the pectoral fin, Yellow caudal fin, Lateral line with a short, arched anterior section and a straight posterior section, containing 20-28 scutes (bony plates) posteriorly
- Dorsal fin
- Two dorsal fins; first with 8 spines, second with 1 spine and 25-28 soft rays.
- Tail fin
- Deeply forked, distinctly yellow.
- Pectoral fin
- Long and falcate (sickle-shaped).
- Distinctive fins
- Anal fin with 2 detached spines followed by 1 spine and 20-22 soft rays.
Identification Tips
Body Shape
Look for a very compressed, oval-shaped body, typical of jacks.
Coloration
The silvery body with a distinct yellow caudal fin is a key identifier. Also note the black spot on the operculum and pectoral fin base.
Lateral Line
Observe the posterior straight section of the lateral line which contains scutes, though they are not as prominent as in some other carangids.
Fin Count
Counting fin rays and spines can confirm identification, especially the two detached anal fin spines.
Habitat
- Water type
- saltwater
- Depth
- Typically found in shallow coastal waters, from the surface down to about 50 meters (164 feet), but can be found deeper.
- Environment
- Inhabits coastal waters, estuaries, bays, and sometimes penetrates brackish waters. Often found over sandy or muddy bottoms, near reefs, or around structures. Forms large schools.
- Geographic range
- Western Atlantic Ocean, from Massachusetts, USA, south to Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. Also found in the eastern Atlantic from Mauritania to Angola.
Aquarium Information
- Care level: expert
- Temperament: semi-aggressive
- Diet: carnivore
- Minimum tank size: 200 gallons
- Temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C)
- pH level: 8.1-8.4
- Hardness: 8-12 dKH
- Compatibility: Best kept in a species-specific tank or with other large, robust, fast-moving fish. Not suitable for reef tanks due to predatory nature.
- Special requirements: Requires a very large tank with strong filtration and ample swimming space. Prone to stress in smaller enclosures. Needs a varied diet of meaty foods.
Wild Information
- Conservation status: least concern
- Seasonality: Present year-round in tropical and subtropical waters, with seasonal aggregations for spawning.
- Market price: Low
- Commercial importance: low
- Taste: Mild, slightly oily
- Texture: Flaky, somewhat soft
- Cooking methods: Frying, Grilling, Baking
- Nutritional value: Good source of protein and Omega-3 fatty acids.
Key Facts
Schooling Behaviorbehavior
Atlantic Bumpers are highly schooling fish, often forming large aggregations, especially during spawning or when feeding.
Ecological Roleinteresting
They play a crucial role in coastal food webs, consuming zooplankton and small invertebrates, and in turn, being a significant food source for larger predatory fish, seabirds, and marine mammals.
Rapid Growthbehavior
Atlantic Bumpers are known for their relatively fast growth rate, reaching maturity within their first year.
Bumper Name Origininteresting
The common name 'Bumper' is thought to refer to their tendency to 'bump' into fishing nets or other objects due to their schooling behavior.
Safety Information
Safe- Safety level: safe
- Venomous: No
- Edibility: edible
- Handling notes: No specific handling precautions are required beyond standard fish handling practices to avoid fin pricks. Not known to be venomous or possess any dangerous spines.
Similar Species
Rough Scad
Trachurus lathami
The Rough Scad has a more elongated body, a more prominent and spiny lateral line with scutes along its entire length, and lacks the distinct yellow caudal fin and black opercular spot of the Atlantic Bumper.
Bigeye Scad
Selar crumenophthalmus
The Bigeye Scad has noticeably larger eyes, a more cylindrical body shape, and a less compressed profile. Its caudal fin is not as distinctly yellow, and it lacks the prominent black opercular spot.
Scientific Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Carangiformes
- Family
- Carangidae
- Genus
- Chloroscombrus
- Species
- chrysurus
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