Carangidae
Carangidae is a family of perciform fishes in the order Perciformes. Commonly known as jacks, trevallies, pompanos, scads, and horse mackerel, they are a diverse group of marine fish found in tropical and temperate waters worldwide. These fish are characterized by their streamlined bodies, forked tails, and strong, often spiny dorsal fins. They are typically fast-swimming predators, feeding on a variety of smaller fish and invertebrates.
Common Names
The common names for Carangidae reflect the variety of species within the family. Some of the most common include:
- Jacks
- Trevallies
- Pompanos
- Scads
- Horse mackerel
Characteristics
Carangidae are characterized by several distinctive features, including:
- Streamlined bodies: Their bodies are typically fusiform, meaning they are torpedo-shaped, which allows for efficient swimming.
- Forked tails: They have deeply forked tails that provide powerful propulsion.
- Strong, spiny dorsal fins: They have two dorsal fins, the first of which is usually made up of spiny rays.
- Lateral line: Their lateral line is prominent and often extends beyond the tail fin.
- Scutes: Many species have scutes, bony plates, along their lateral line and belly.
Environment
Carangidae are found in a wide range of marine environments, including:
- Coastal waters: They are common in shallow waters near the coast, particularly in areas with reefs, estuaries, and mangroves.
- Open ocean: Some species are pelagic, meaning they live in the open ocean, often forming large schools.
- Tropical and temperate waters: They are found in both tropical and temperate regions around the world.
References
For more detailed information about Carangidae, refer to these reliable sources: