Selar
Selar is a genus of marine fish belonging to the family Carangidae, commonly known as jacks or trevallies. These fish are found in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide, inhabiting coastal areas, estuaries, and offshore reefs. They are generally small to medium in size, with streamlined bodies, forked tails, and a characteristic dorsal fin with a prominent spine followed by several soft rays.
Common Names
Members of the genus Selar are known by various common names, including:
- Selar
- Horse mackerel
- Skipjack
- Yellowtail scad
- Gafftopsail
Characteristics
Selar species share several distinctive features, including:
- Streamlined body: Adapted for fast swimming in open water.
- Forked tail: Powerful for propulsion.
- Dorsal fin: Composed of a prominent spine followed by several soft rays, with a separate, smaller finlet behind the main dorsal fin.
- Lateral line: Distinctly curved in its anterior portion, becoming straight in the posterior portion.
- Scales: Small, smooth, and cycloid (round) in shape.
- Coloration: Typically silver or bluish-grey, often with yellow or dark markings.
Environments
Selar species inhabit a variety of marine environments, including:
- Coastal areas: Often found near rocky shores, beaches, and estuaries.
- Reefs: Common residents of coral reefs and rocky reefs, where they seek shelter and feed.
- Offshore waters: Some species can be found in deeper waters, often congregating in schools.
References
For more information about Selar species, consult the following reliable sources: