How to Identify Australian Spotted Mackerel

To identify Australian Spotted Mackerel (Scomberomorus munroi), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

torpedo

Coloration

Dorsal surface iridescent blue-green, fading to silvery on the flanks and belly. The sides are covered with numerous small, distinct, dark spots (often irregular in shape and size) that extend below the lateral line. The first dorsal fin is dark.

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Numerous small, distinct dark spots on the sides, extending below the lateral line., First dorsal fin is uniformly dark., Absence of a black blotch on the anterior part of the first dorsal fin (distinguishes from S. guttatus)., Relatively short snout compared to other Scomberomorus species.

Dorsal fin

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

Tail fin

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

Pectoral fin

Short pectoral fins, typically with 21-24 rays.

Distinctive fins

Anal fin with 16-20 soft rays, followed by 8-10 finlets, mirroring the second dorsal fin and finlets. Pelvic fins are small.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Spot Pattern

   Look for numerous small, distinct dark spots covering the sides, extending well below the lateral line. This is the primary distinguishing feature from other spotted mackerel species.

2. 2

   First Dorsal Fin Color

   The first dorsal fin is uniformly dark or blackish, without any prominent black blotch at the front, which helps differentiate it from the Narrow-barred Spanish Mackerel (S. commerson) and Indo-Pacific King Mackerel (S. guttatus).

3. 3

   Body Shape

   It has a more slender and elongated body compared to some other mackerel species, but less so than the Narrow-barred Spanish Mackerel.

4. 4

   Lateral Line

   The lateral line curves abruptly downwards below the second dorsal fin.

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