Fishby LogoFishby

Indo-Pacific King Mackerel

Sicuro

Scomberomorus guttatus

Conosciuto anche come: Spotted Spanish Mackerel, Indo-Pacific Spanish Mackerel, Seerfish, Spotted Seerfish

Hai una foto? Identifica i pesci all'istante con l'app Fishby.

Apri l'app

Descrizione

Scomberomorus guttatus, commonly known as the Indo-Pacific King Mackerel or Spotted Spanish Mackerel, is a pelagic, predatory fish belonging to the family Scombridae. It is highly valued as a food fish and is a popular target for both commercial and recreational fisheries throughout its range. This species is characterized by its streamlined body, sharp teeth, and distinctive spotted coloration, which aids in camouflage in its open water habitat.

Caratteristiche fisiche

Forma del corpo
torpedo
Colorazione
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.
Tipo di squame
none
Posizione della bocca
terminal
Caratteristiche distintive
Streamlined, fusiform body adapted for fast swimming., Laterally compressed., Large, conical mouth with a single row of strong, triangular, compressed teeth in each jaw., Absence of scales on the corselet (a patch of larger, thicker scales behind the head and around the pectoral fin base) and body, except for the lateral line., Presence of 8-10 dorsal and 7-10 anal finlets behind the second dorsal and anal fins, respectively., Caudal peduncle with a prominent median keel and two smaller keels on either side.
Pinna dorsale
Two dorsal fins; the first is long with 15-18 spines, originating above the pectoral fin base. The second dorsal fin is much shorter with 15-19 soft rays, followed by 8-10 finlets.
Pinna caudale
Deeply forked caudal fin, characteristic of fast-swimming pelagic fish.
Pinna pettorale
Short, pointed pectoral fins with 21-24 rays, located high on the body.
Pinne distintive
Pelvic fins are small and located below the pectoral fins. Anal fin is similar in shape and size to the second dorsal fin, with 16-20 soft rays, followed by 7-10 finlets.

Consigli per l'identificazione

Body Shape and Coloration

Look for the torpedo-shaped body, iridescent blue-green back, silvery sides, and distinct irregular rows of dark, round to oval spots on the flanks. The first dorsal fin is dark.

Finlets

Count the finlets behind the second dorsal and anal fins (8-10 dorsal, 7-10 anal). This is a key characteristic of Scombridae.

Lateral Line

Observe the lateral line, which typically curves abruptly downwards below the second dorsal fin, then runs straight to the caudal fin.

Teeth

Note the single row of strong, triangular, compressed teeth in each jaw, indicative of its predatory nature.

Habitat

Tipo di acqua
saltwater
Profondità
Typically found in coastal waters from the surface down to about 200 meters (650 feet), but most commonly in the upper 50 meters.
Ambiente
Pelagic, inhabiting continental shelves and coastal waters, often near reefs, islands, and estuaries. They prefer clear, warm waters and are frequently found in schools.
Areale geografico
Indo-West Pacific: from the Arabian Sea and Persian Gulf eastward to Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, Indonesia, and northern Australia, and northward to Japan. Also found in the Red Sea.

Informazioni sull'acquario

  • Livello di cura: expert
  • Temperamento: aggressive
  • Dieta: carnivore
  • Dimensione minima della vasca: Not suitable for home aquaria due to size and pelagic nature. Requires extremely large public aquarium exhibits.
  • Temperatura: 24-29°C (75-84°F)
  • Livello di pH: 8.1-8.4
  • Durezza: 8-12 dKH
  • Compatibilità: Only compatible with very large, fast-swimming pelagic species in extremely large public aquaria. Highly predatory.
  • Requisiti speciali: Requires immense swimming space, high water quality, and a constant supply of live or fresh whole fish prey. Not suitable for typical aquarium environments.

Informazioni in natura

  • Stato di conservazione: least concern
  • Stagionalità: Seasonal movements are common, often migrating to warmer waters during colder months and congregating for spawning. Peak availability varies regionally.
  • Prezzo di mercato: Varies significantly by region and season, often high due to demand for fresh consumption.
  • Importanza commerciale: high
  • Sapore: Rich, savory, and distinctly 'fishy' flavor, often compared to tuna but with a firmer texture.
  • Consistenza: Firm, flaky, and meaty, with moderate oil content.
  • Metodi di cottura: Grilling, Baking, Frying, Smoking, Currying
  • Valore nutrizionale: Excellent source of protein, Omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin D, and B vitamins.

Fatti chiave

Fast Swimmerbehavior

Scomberomorus guttatus is built for speed, with its streamlined body and deeply forked tail, allowing it to pursue and capture fast-moving prey.

Dietary Habitsbehavior

Primarily piscivorous, its diet consists mainly of small schooling fish such as sardines, anchovies, and scads, as well as squid and crustaceans.

Spawning Aggregationsbehavior

This species forms large spawning aggregations in specific coastal areas during reproductive seasons, making them vulnerable to targeted fishing efforts.

No Scales (mostly)interesting

Unlike many fish, Scomberomorus guttatus has a largely scaleless body, except for a small corselet of scales around the pectoral fin and along the lateral line, contributing to its smooth, hydrodynamic profile.

Migratory Patternsbehavior

Known to undertake seasonal migrations, often moving into shallower coastal waters during warmer months for feeding and spawning, and retreating to deeper waters during colder periods.

Informazioni di sicurezza

Sicuro
  • Livello di sicurezza: safe
  • Velenoso: No
  • Commestibilità: edible
  • Note sul maneggio: No specific venomous spines or dangerous features. However, care should be taken when handling due to its sharp teeth, especially when alive. Standard fish handling precautions apply.

Specie simili

Narrow-barred Spanish Mackerel

Scomberomorus commerson

S. commerson has numerous narrow, vertical, wavy bars on its sides, whereas S. guttatus has distinct round to oval spots. S. commerson also grows significantly larger.

Korean Seerfish

Scomberomorus koreanus

S. koreanus has fewer, larger, and more irregularly arranged spots or blotches, often extending onto the belly, and a more pronounced dip in the lateral line. Its first dorsal fin is also typically paler.

Streaked Seerfish

Scomberomorus lineolatus

S. lineolatus has a series of broken longitudinal lines or streaks along its sides, sometimes with a few spots, rather than the distinct round spots of S. guttatus.

Classificazione scientifica

Regno
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Classe
Actinopterygii
Ordine
Scombriformes
Famiglia
Scombridae
Genere
Scomberomorus
Specie
Scomberomorus guttatus

Esplora Indo-Pacific King Mackerel

Identifica pesci ovunque

Gratis su iOS, Android e Web. Identificazione tramite foto, dettagli completi sulle specie e molto altro.

Apri nell'app