| Family: |
Scombridae (Mackerels, tunas, bonitos), subfamily: Scombrinae |
| Max. size: |
120 cm FL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 13 kg |
| Environment: |
pelagic-neritic; marine; depth range 50 - 200 m, oceanodromous |
| Distribution: |
Western Indian Ocean: Seychelles, Kenya and Zanzibar to South Africa and along the west coast of Madagascar. This species has been confused with Scomberomorus lineolatus and with Scomberomorus guttatus (and also one of its junior synonyms Scomberomorus leopardus). |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 15-17; Dorsal soft rays (total): 19-21; Anal soft rays: 19-22; Vertebrae: 45-46. Interpelvic process small and bifid. Body covered with small scales. Lateral line without auxiliary branches anteriorly, gradually curving down toward caudal peduncle. Intestine with 2 folds and 3 limbs. Juveniles have spots but develop adult pattern of interrupted lines by the time they reach 40 cm. |
| Biology: |
Neritic species (Ref. 5313). Forms large schools in the Zanzibar Channel from March to September. Feeds mainly on anchovies (Anchoviella sp.), clupeids (Amblygaster sp., Sardinella fimbriata, Sardinella perforata [= Sardinella albella), other small fishes, squids, and mantis shrimps. |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 15 August 2022 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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