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Trachurus trachurus, commonly known as the Atlantic Horse Mackerel or Carapau, is a pelagic schooling fish belonging to the family Carangidae. It is a commercially important species, widely distributed in the Northeast Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea. This species is characterized by its streamlined body, large eyes, and a distinctive lateral line armed with scutes.
Características físicas
- Formato do corpo
- torpedo
- Coloração
- Dorsal side is typically bluish-green to grey, fading to silvery-white on the flanks and belly. A distinct black spot is often present on the upper margin of the operculum.
- Tipo de escama
- cycloid
- Posição da boca
- terminal
- Características distintivas
- Two dorsal fins, the first spiny and the second soft-rayed., A series of prominent, keeled scutes (bony plates) along the entire lateral line, becoming larger posteriorly., Large eyes, indicative of its pelagic lifestyle., A small, terminal mouth.
- Nadadeira dorsal
- Two dorsal fins: the first with 8-9 spines, the second with 1 spine and 28-33 soft rays. The two fins are distinctly separated.
- Nadadeira caudal
- Deeply forked caudal fin.
- Nadadeira peitoral
- Long and falcate (sickle-shaped), extending beyond the origin of the second dorsal fin.
- Nadadeiras características
- Two separate anal fins, the first with 2 detached spines followed by a second anal fin with 1 spine and 24-29 soft rays.
Dicas de identificação
Lateral Line Scutes
The most definitive feature is the complete lateral line armed with a series of strong, keeled scutes (bony plates) that are particularly prominent towards the caudal peduncle. These scutes are absent or less developed in similar species.
Opercular Spot
Presence of a distinct black spot on the upper part of the operculum (gill cover).
Dorsal Fins
Two clearly separated dorsal fins, the first spiny and the second soft-rayed.
Pectoral Fins
Long, sickle-shaped pectoral fins.
Habitat
- Tipo de água
- saltwater
- Profundidade
- Typically found in coastal waters and offshore, from the surface down to depths of about 100-200 meters, occasionally deeper (up to 1000 meters).
- Ambiente
- Pelagic and demersal-pelagic, inhabiting continental shelves and slopes. Forms large schools, especially during spawning and feeding aggregations. Prefers temperate and subtropical waters.
- Distribuição geográfica
- Northeast Atlantic Ocean, from Norway to South Africa, including the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea. Also found off the coast of Mauritania and Senegal.
Informações sobre aquário
- Nível de cuidado: expert
- Temperamento: semi-aggressive
- Alimentação: carnivore
- Tamanho mínimo do aquário: Not suitable for typical home aquariums due to size and schooling behavior (requires very large public aquaria).
- Temperatura: 10-20°C (50-68°F)
- Nível de pH: 7.8-8.4
- Dureza da água: 1.020-1.025 SG
- Compatibilidade: Only compatible with other large, robust pelagic species in very large, specialized exhibits. Not suitable for mixed reef or community tanks.
- Requisitos especiais: Requires immense tank volume, strong filtration, high oxygenation, and a constant supply of live or frozen planktonic and small nektonic prey. Schooling behavior necessitates multiple individuals.
Informações no ambiente natural
- Estado de conservação: least concern
- Sazonalidade: Available year-round, but peak fishing seasons vary regionally, often in spring and autumn when they aggregate for spawning or feeding.
- Preço de mercado: Varies significantly by region and season, generally a moderately priced food fish.
- Importância comercial: high
- Sabor: Mild, slightly oily, with a distinct 'fishy' flavor.
- Textura: Firm, flaky flesh.
- Métodos de preparo: Grilled, Fried, Baked, Smoked, Canned, Marinated
- Valor nutricional: Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and vitamins B12 and D.
Fatos principais
Schooling Behaviorbehavior
Trachurus trachurus forms large, dense schools, especially during migration and spawning, which makes them a prime target for commercial fisheries.
Dietary Shiftbehavior
Juvenile horse mackerel primarily feed on zooplankton, while adults shift to a diet of small crustaceans, cephalopods, and other small fish.
Sound Productioninteresting
Like some other carangids, horse mackerel can produce sounds, particularly during spawning, though the exact mechanisms and functions are still being researched.
Ecological Importanceinteresting
As a mid-trophic level predator and prey species, Trachurus trachurus plays a crucial role in marine food webs, linking planktonic production to larger predatory fish, marine mammals, and seabirds.
Taxonomic Stabilityevolution
While there are several species within the genus Trachurus, Trachurus trachurus itself has a relatively stable taxonomic status, though its distribution and genetic variations across its range are subjects of ongoing study.
Informações de segurança
Seguro- Nível de segurança: safe
- Venenoso: Não
- Comestibilidade: edible
- Observações de manuseio: No specific handling precautions are required beyond standard fish handling practices. The spines on the dorsal and anal fins are sharp and can cause minor punctures if not handled carefully, but they are not venomous.
Espécies similares
Mediterranean Horse Mackerel
Trachurus mediterraneus
Has a less developed lateral line scutation, with scutes only present on the posterior part of the lateral line, not along its entire length. The black opercular spot is often less pronounced or absent.
Blue Jack Mackerel
Trachurus picturatus
Generally has a more slender body and a longer, more pointed snout. The scutes on the lateral line are typically smaller and less prominent than in T. trachurus.
Cape Horse Mackerel
Trachurus capensis
Primarily found in the southeastern Atlantic and Indian Ocean. While very similar morphologically, genetic analysis distinguishes it. Morphologically, T. capensis often has a slightly deeper body and a different count of fin rays and scutes, though these can be subtle.
Classificação científica
- Reino
- Animalia
- Filo
- Chordata
- Classe
- Actinopterygii
- Ordem
- Carangiformes
- Família
- Carangidae
- Gênero
- Trachurus
- Espécie
- Trachurus trachurus
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