Scientific Name
Scomberomorus commerson
Common Name
Narrow-barred Spanish mackerel
Biology
Distributed from near edge of continental shelf to shallow coastal waters, often of low salinity and high turbidity (Ref. 30199, 48637). Also found in drop-offs, and shallow or gently sloping reef and lagoon waters (Ref. 1602, 48637). Usually hunts solitary and often swim in shallow water along coastal slopes (Ref. 48637). Known to undertake lengthy long-shore migrations, but permanent resident populations also seem to exist. Found in small schools (Ref. 9684). Feed primarily on small fishes like anchovies, clupeids, carangids, also squids and penaeoid shrimps. Eggs and larvae are pelagic (Ref. 6769). A lipid-soluble toxin, similar to ciguatoxin has been found in the flesh of specimens caught on the east coast of Queensland, Australia. Marketed fresh, dried-salted (Ref. 9684), frozen, smoked, and canned (Ref. 9987); commonly made into fish balls.