Spanish Mackerel
Scomberomorus commerson
Long slender fish; blue-grey back and sides with silvery belly. Numerous pale bars along sides; grows to around 2m.
Morphology
Body elongate and strongly compressed; strong keel on caudal peduncle. Distinguished from similar species by a deep dip in the lateral line and possessing less than 8 gill rakers.
Evolution
Unusually for a pelagic species there is genetic subdivision across the distribution. Possibly maintained by philopatric migration.
Behaviour
Highly predatory; voracious, extremely fast swimming carnivores; schooling.
Method of reproduction
Seasonal spawning along reef edge. Eggs have a large oil droplet for buoyancy and nutrition.
Habitat
Marine
Coastal seas in vicinity of reefs or submerged pinnacles.
Distribution
Africa to Fiji, Australia, China
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Perciformes |
| Family: | Scombridae |
| Genus: | Scomberomorus |
| Species: | commerson |
| Name Published Year: | 1800 |
|---|---|
| Rank: | species |
| Scientific Name Authorship: | Lacepède |
| Commercial Impact: | High catch both recreational and commercial |
| Conservation Assessment: | Near Threatened |
Cite this page
Western Australian Museum Collections https://museum.wa.gov.au/online-collections/names/scomberomorus-commerson
Accessed 25 Apr 2025
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