The Lesser Queenfish, Doublespotted Queenfish, Queenfish, Whitefish, Giant Dart, Skinnyfish, White Fish, Leatherskin, Skinny Fish, St. Peter’s Leatherskin, Double-Spotted Queenfish, Large-Mouthed Leatherskin, scientifically known as Scomberoides lysan, is a species of marine fish that can be found in various parts of the world’s oceans. This fish is known for its distinctive appearance and its role within the marine ecosystem.
Description and Characteristics
The Scomberoides lysan can grow up to a maximum size of 110.0 cm and is known for its elongated, somewhat compressed body. Its common names, such as “Skinnyfish” and “Leatherskin,” reflect its slender build. This fish has a large mouth and a prominent, slightly concave snout. The body is covered in small, smooth scales, giving it a leathery appearance. The dorsal fin has a characteristic pattern of two distinct lobes, with the first lobe having a series of spines and the second lobe having soft rays.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Scomberoides lysan is a species that prefers to inhabit coral reefs and the open ocean. They are found primarily in the subtidal, sublittoral, infralittoral, and deep zones of the oceans, ranging from the lower limit of the intertidal zone to the shelf edge at approximately 200 meters depth. This means that they are commonly found in neritic zones, which are marine environments that are relatively shallow and close to the shoreline. This fish is a prevalent presence in these aquatic ecosystems, playing a vital role in the balance of the marine food web.
Taxonomy
The species Scomberoides lysan belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Carangiformes, and Family: Carangidae. This family, Carangidae, is a large and diverse group of fishes that includes many commercially important species, such as jacks, scads, and pompanos. These fishes share certain anatomical features, such as their compressed bodies and strong, forked tails, which allow them to be highly maneuverable in the water.
Feeding
The Scomberoides lysan is a carnivore with a diverse diet. It feeds on a variety of crustaceans, fish (especially smaller fish), krill, mysid shrimps, and other small organisms. This predatory fish plays a crucial role in controlling populations of its prey species, helping to maintain the balance of the marine ecosystem.
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