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Narrow-barred Spanish mackerel

Distribution : Red Sea and Indian Ocean, including the Maldives, to the western Pacific; also in the eastern Mediterranean.

Kanad is an important name in the fisheries of the Arabian Gulf and the Sea of Oman. It refers to the narrow-barred Spanish mackerel, also known regionally as kingfish. In the United Arab Emirates, its commercial and recreational importance has led to stock assessments, including work involving cooperation between Gulf countries. Known by other names throughout the Indian and Pacific Oceans, the same fish connects widely separated fishing communities.

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Habitat of Narrow-barred Spanish mackerel Habitat
Open water
Depth range of Narrow-barred Spanish mackerel Depth
10-200 m
Biological group of Narrow-barred Spanish mackerel Group
Ecological role of Narrow-barred Spanish mackerel Role
Predator

Size

Up to 240 cm, from snout to tail fork

Good to know

Observe without touching or feeding animals and keep clear of the coral.

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

The lateral line, the visible line along the flank, drops sharply towards the rear in the narrow-barred Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus commerson). Its silver body carries fine wavy dark bars beneath a blue-grey back. Little isolated fins precede the deeply forked tail. It may reach 240 cm from snout to tail fork.

WHERE DOES IT LIVE?

It inhabits warm Red Sea, Indian Ocean and western Pacific waters, including the Maldives. It frequents coastal waters and reef edges. It travels alone or in small schools.

It uses waters over the continental shelf, the submerged extension of the continents, and passages near islands. It occurs at roughly 10–200 m. It is also established in the eastern Mediterranean after passing through the Suez Canal. It remains uncommon in the Maldives.

WHAT DOES IT EAT?

Small fish take first place in the narrow-barred Spanish mackerel’s menu. Its prey include anchovies, clupeids—the sardine family—and jacks. This open-water predator also consumes squid and crustaceans.

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Narrow-barred Spanish mackerel

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