Alectis

Alectis is a genus of marine fish belonging to the jack family, Carangidae. These fish are characterized by their distinctive, laterally compressed, and often very deep bodies, resembling a thin, flat disc. Common names for fish of this genus include “moonfish” and “unicornfish,” though these names are often applied to other species. Members of this genus are found in tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans.

Characteristics

Alectis species share several key characteristics:

  • Deep, compressed body: The body is remarkably thin, resembling a disc. This unique shape is especially prominent in juveniles.
  • Large, prominent eyes: The eyes are large and located relatively high on the head.
  • Single dorsal fin: The dorsal fin is long and continuous, with the anterior portion made up of spines.
  • Forked tail: The tail is deeply forked, providing powerful propulsion.
  • Coloration: Most species have a silvery-gray to bluish coloration, often with darker markings or spots.

Environments

Alectis species are pelagic fish, typically inhabiting the open ocean. They can be found in a variety of environments, including:

  • Surface waters: They often congregate in the upper layers of the water column, where they feed on plankton and small fish.
  • Midwater: They can also be found at deeper depths, depending on the species and its life stage.
  • Reefs: Some species may associate with coral reefs or other rocky habitats, particularly as juveniles.

Species

The genus Alectis includes five recognized species:

  • Alectis ciliaris (Bluntnose unicornfish)
  • Alectis indicus (Indian moonfish)
  • Alectis luridus (Luminous moonfish)
  • Alectis macrurus (Longtail moonfish)
  • Alectis alexandrinus (Alexandria moonfish)

References

For more detailed information on Alectis, consult the following resources: