Come identificare Atlantic Mackerel

Per identificare Atlantic Mackerel (Scomber scombrus), osserva queste caratteristiche chiave.

Caratteristiche fisiche

Forma del corpo

torpedo

Colorazione

Dorsal side iridescent blue-green with 23-33 dark, wavy, vertical stripes extending down to the lateral line. Flanks and belly are silvery-white, often with a metallic sheen. Fins are dusky.

Tipo di squame

cycloid

Posizione della bocca

terminal

Caratteristiche distintive

Two widely separated dorsal fins, Five to six finlets behind the second dorsal fin and anal fin, Small, cycloid scales covering the entire body, giving a smooth appearance, Absence of a swim bladder, Large eyes relative to head size, Pointed snout

Pinna dorsale

Two dorsal fins; the first with 10-13 spines, the second with 10-15 soft rays, followed by 5-6 dorsal finlets.

Pinna caudale

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

Pinna pettorale

Short, triangular pectoral fins positioned high on the body.

Pinne distintive

Anal fin with 10-14 soft rays, followed by 5-6 anal finlets. Pelvic fins are small and located beneath the pectoral fins.

Consigli per l'identificazione

1. 1

   Dorsal Stripes

   Look for the distinctive dark, wavy, vertical stripes on the blue-green dorsal surface. These stripes do not extend below the lateral line.

2. 2

   Finlets

   Count the small finlets (5-6) behind both the second dorsal and anal fins. This is a key characteristic of Scombridae.

3. 3

   Absence of Swim Bladder

   While not visible externally, the lack of a swim bladder contributes to its ability to rapidly change depth, a behavioral trait.

4. 4

   Body Shape

   Its streamlined, torpedo-shaped body is indicative of a fast-swimming pelagic predator.

5. 5

   Scales

   The body feels smooth due to very small, almost imperceptible cycloid scales.

Esplora Atlantic Mackerel