cluster practicals

Scomberomorus
guttatus

Diagnostic
Features

First dorsal
fin with 15 to 18 spines, usually 16 or more; second dorsal with 18 to 24 rays,
usually 20 to 22, followed by 7 to 10 finlets; anal fin with 19 to 23 rays;
followed by 7 to 10 finlets, usually 8; pectoral fin rays few, 20 to 23,
modally 21.  Lateral line with many fine
auxiliary branches extending dorsally and ventrally in anterior third,
gradually curving down toward caudal peduncle. 
Vertebrae 19 to 22 precaudal plus 28 to 31 caudal, total 47 to 52,
usually 50 or 51.  Intestine with 2 folds
and 3 limbs. 

Colour:
sides silvery white with several longitudinal rows of round dark brownish spots
First dorsal fin membrane black  pelvic
and anal fins silvery white.

Habitat and
Biology

               

An
epipelagic, neriticspecies 

Based on
occurrence of ripe females and size of maturing eggs, spawning probably occurs
from April to July around Rameswaram Island between India and Sri Lanka (

Size

               

Maximum fork
length is 76 cm. Size at first maturity ranges between 48 and 52 cm total
length in southern India

Interest to
Fisheries

               

It is
utilized fresh or salted in most areas 
Although less abundant than the Indian mackerels (Rastrelliger spp. S.
guttatus is highly esteemed for food and commands a higher price in Thailand
and India