How to Identify Indo-Pacific King Mackerel

To identify Indo-Pacific King Mackerel (Scomberomorus guttatus), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

torpedo

Coloration

Dorsal surface iridescent blue-green, fading to silvery on the flanks and belly. Distinctive feature is the presence of several irregular rows of dark, round to oval spots on the sides, which become more prominent with age. The first dorsal fin is dark.

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Streamlined, fusiform body, Laterally compressed, Numerous small, dark spots on flanks, Large, sharp, triangular teeth, Absence of scales on the corselet (a patch of larger, thicker scales behind the head and around the pectoral fins, characteristic of some scombrids, but reduced or absent in Scomberomorus guttatus)

Dorsal fin

Two dorsal fins; the first is long with 15-18 spines, the second is much shorter with 15-18 soft rays, followed by 8-10 finlets. The first dorsal fin is typically dark.

Tail fin

Deeply forked caudal fin (tail fin), characteristic of fast-swimming pelagic fish.

Pectoral fin

Short and pointed, located high on the body.

Distinctive fins

Anal fin similar in shape and size to the second dorsal fin, also followed by 8-10 finlets. Pelvic fins are small and located beneath the pectoral fins.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Body Shape

   Look for a sleek, torpedo-shaped body, indicative of a fast swimmer.

2. 2

   Coloration and Spots

   The iridescent blue-green back and silvery sides with distinct, irregular rows of dark, round to oval spots are key identifiers. The spots are generally larger and more pronounced than in some similar species.

3. 3

   First Dorsal Fin

   The first dorsal fin is typically dark or blackish, which can help distinguish it from other mackerel species.

4. 4

   Lateral Line

   The lateral line curves abruptly downwards below the second dorsal fin, a characteristic feature of Scomberomorus species.

5. 5

   Teeth

   Possesses a single row of large, compressed, triangular teeth in each jaw, adapted for cutting prey.

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