Come identificare Indo-Pacific King Mackerel

Per identificare Indo-Pacific King Mackerel (Scomberomorus guttatus), osserva queste caratteristiche chiave.

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

1. 1

   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.

2. 2

   Finlets

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

3. 3

   Lateral Line

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

4. 4

   Teeth

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

Esplora Indo-Pacific King Mackerel