| Family: |
Scombridae (Mackerels, tunas, bonitos), subfamily: Scombrinae |
| Max. size: |
104 cm FL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 10 kg |
| Environment: |
pelagic-neritic; marine; depth range - 100 m, oceanodromous |
| Distribution: |
Western Pacific: restricted to the northern coast of Australia, from the Abrolhos Islands region of Western Australia to Coffs Harbor and Kempsey in central New South Wales; also occurring in southern Papua New Guinea from Kerema to Port Moresby. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 20-22; Dorsal soft rays (total): 17-20; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 17-19; Vertebrae: 50-52. Interpelvic process small and bifid. Lateral line gradually curving down toward caudal peduncle. Intestine with 2 folds and 3 limbs. Swim bladder absent. Body covered with small scales. Sides with several poorly defined rows of round spots, larger than pupil but smaller than eye diameter. The inner surface of the pectoral fin is dark blue, the cheeks and belly silvery white, the anal fin and anal finlets light silvery gray, and the dorsal fin black, bright steely blue when fresh. |
| Biology: |
Found more commonly in offshore, open waters away from reefs and shoals (Ref. 30199). Form large schools which move close inshore along the coast of Queensland, commonly taken between December and April or May. Feed largely on fishes, particularly anchovies and sardines with smaller quantities of shrimps and squids. Common fork length ranges between 50 to 80 cm (Ref. 168). Sometimes confused with S. niphonius. |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 08 September 2022 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
reports of ciguatera poisoning |
| Country info: |
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