Selar crumenophthalmus, commonly known as the Big-eyed Scad, Big-eye Scad, Bigeye Scad, Big Eye Scad, Bigeye Scad Atulai, Chicharro, Goggle-eye, Goggle-eyed Scad, Goggler, Horse-eye Jack, Horse Mackerel, Jack, Jackfish, Purse-eyed Scad, Purse-eye Scad, Scad, Silver Scad, or Steenbrass, is a species of fish found in the marine waters of the Indian Ocean and the western Pacific. This species is a member of the jack family, known for their swift and agile movements in the open ocean.
Description & Characteristics
Selar crumenophthalmus is easily identifiable due to its prominent large eyes, giving it several of its common names. It has a laterally compressed body, a deep, oval-shaped caudal peduncle, and a forked tail. The body color ranges from silvery-blue to greenish, with a darker dorsal side and a lighter ventral side. This fish can reach a maximum size of 70.0 cm, but typically measures around 20-30 cm in length.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Selar crumenophthalmus is a common inhabitant of the Subtidal, sublittoral, infralittoral, deep zone of the oceans, primarily found from the lower limit of the intertidal zone (intertidal) to the shelf edge at about 200 m water depth. This fish is often found in neritic environments, which are marine zones influenced by the proximity of land. It prefers areas with rocky reefs, seagrass beds, and coral reefs, providing ample shelter and food sources.
Taxonomy
Selar crumenophthalmus belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Carangiformes, and Family: Carangidae. The Carangidae family encompasses a diverse group of fish, commonly referred to as jacks, scads, and horse mackerels, known for their streamlined bodies and predatory nature.
Feeding
The Selar crumenophthalmus is a carnivore, feeding primarily on a variety of small organisms such as fish larvae, invertebrates, krill, mysis, shrimps, and zooplankton. Its diet composition is influenced by its habitat and the availability of prey.
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