Distribution:

Atlantic Ocean: in tropical and subtropical waters, including the Mediterranean, Black Sea, Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico. Highly migratory species, Annex I of the 1982 Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Diagnosis:

Dorsal spines (total): 15-16; Dorsal softrays (total): 11-13; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft-rays: 11-15; Vertebrates: 39-39. Anterior spines of first dorsal fin much higher than the those mid-way, giving the fin a strongly concave outline. Interpelvic process small and bifid. Body naked except for corselet and lateral line. Swimbladder absent. Incipient protuberances on 33rd and 34th vertebrae. Back with broken oblique stripes. Caudal peduncle with 7-8 finlets. Dark stripes on the back and with 3-7 dark spots between pelvic and pectoral fins.

Biology:

Found in neritic waters close inshore. This schooling species is an opportunistic predator which feeds on virtually everything within its range, i.e. crustaceans, fishes (mainly clupeoid), squids, heteropods and tunicates. Specialized traps (madragues) are used in Tunisia and Morocco. Diving bird flocks may indicate large schools. Utilized fresh, dried-salted, smoked, canned and frozen. A popular game fish.

Max. size: 122.0 cm

Max.weight: 16 Kg

Environment: pelagic; depth range 1 - 150 m

Climate: tropical; 56°N - 30°S

Canary Islands country information: [ No common name ]