How to Identify Queenfish

To identify Queenfish (Scomberoides), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

compressed

Coloration

Silvery-grey to bluish-green dorsally, fading to silvery-white on the flanks and belly. Some species may have a series of dark spots or blotches along the lateral line or above it. Fins are typically dusky or yellowish.

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Elongated, compressed body, Small, cycloid scales deeply embedded in the skin, giving a 'leathery' feel, Two dorsal fins, the first with 6-8 short, stout spines, the second with 1 spine and 19-21 soft rays, Anal fin with 2 detached spines followed by 1 spine and 16-19 soft rays, Caudal fin deeply forked, Lateral line with a slight arch over the pectoral fin, then straight to the caudal peduncle, Mouth large, terminal, with a single row of small, conical teeth

Dorsal fin

Two dorsal fins; first with 6-8 short, stout spines; second with 1 spine and 19-21 soft rays, often followed by 7-10 detached finlets (species-dependent).

Tail fin

Deeply forked caudal fin.

Pectoral fin

Short and falcate (sickle-shaped).

Distinctive fins

Anal fin with 2 detached spines anteriorly, followed by 1 spine and 16-19 soft rays, often followed by 7-10 detached finlets (species-dependent). Pelvic fins are small.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Body Shape and Scales

   Look for the elongated, compressed body and the characteristic small, embedded scales that give a smooth, leathery feel. This distinguishes them from other carangids with larger, more obvious scales.

2. 2

   Finlets

   Observe the presence and number of detached finlets behind the second dorsal and anal fins. This feature is present in some Scomberoides species (e.g., S. commersonnianus, S. tala) but absent in others (e.g., S. lysan, S. tol). This is a key differentiator between species within the genus.

3. 3

   Lateral Line Spots

   Note the pattern of dark spots or blotches along or above the lateral line. For example, S. commersonnianus typically has 5-8 large, dark, vertically elongated spots, while S. lysan has 5-8 round or oval spots. S. tala may have 4-8 vertically elongated blotches.

4. 4

   Mouth Size

   The relative size of the mouth can be a distinguishing feature. Scomberoides commersonnianus has a relatively large mouth extending beyond the posterior margin of the eye, whereas S. lysan and S. tala have smaller mouths.

5. 5

   First Dorsal Fin Spines

   Count the number of spines in the first dorsal fin (typically 6-8). While consistent across the genus, it's a general carangid characteristic.

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