How to Identify Queen Mackerel

To identify Queen Mackerel (Scomberomorus plurilineatus), 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 pattern of several broken, wavy longitudinal lines or rows of spots along the sides, which become more prominent with age. The first dorsal fin is dark, often blackish anteriorly.

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Streamlined, fusiform body adapted for fast swimming., Laterally compressed., Presence of several small finlets behind the dorsal and anal fins., Large, conical teeth in both jaws., Absence of scales on the pectoral fin base, but a well-developed corselet of scales around the pectoral region.

Dorsal fin

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

Tail fin

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

Pectoral fin

Short, high-set pectoral fins.

Distinctive fins

Anal fin with 16-20 soft rays, followed by 7-10 finlets. Pelvic fins are small and located beneath the pectoral fins.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Body Pattern

   Look for the characteristic broken, wavy longitudinal lines or rows of spots along the sides. These are a key differentiator from other Scomberomorus species.

2. 2

   First Dorsal Fin

   The first dorsal fin is typically dark, often blackish anteriorly, which can help distinguish it from some similar species.

3. 3

   Lateral Line

   The lateral line curves abruptly downwards below the second dorsal fin, a feature shared with some other Scomberomorus but useful in combination with other traits.

4. 4

   Size

   Adults typically reach a fork length of 50-90 cm (20-35 inches), with a maximum recorded length of about 120 cm (47 inches) and weight of 12.5 kg (27.5 lbs).

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