Carangidae

A Dictionary of Zoology | 1999 | 700+ words | Copyright

Carangidae (jacks, scad, trevally; subclass Actinopterygii, order Perciformes) A large family of marine pelagic fish. All have streamlined bodies, with two separate dorsal fins, and a forked tail; and some (but not Seriola) have a series of scutes or comb-like scales along the caudal peduncle. The two anal spines are detached from the rest of the anal fin. Distributed widely in warm and temperate waters, many of these fish, especially the younger ones, travel in vast schools, but some of the larger ones are solitary. The young often live in small shoals beneath jellyfish. Carangids range in size from the relatively small Trachurus trachurus (eastern Atlantic scad), measuring up to 35 cm, to the much larger Seriola dumerili (amberjack). Some, e.g. Elagatis bipinnulatus (rainbow runner), have a torpedo-shaped body. Others, e.g. the Indo-Pacific Alectis indicus (plumed trevally), have a compressed, deep body.

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MICHAEL ALLABY. "Carangidae." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. 30 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

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