LETS TALK

ABOUT
CARANGID
AE
 Overview
The Carangidae are a group of ray-finned fish that includes jacks,
pompanos, jack mackerels, runners, trevallies, and scad. It is the
biggest of the six families that comprise the order Carangiformes.
They are marine fish that live in the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific
oceans. The majority of species are fast-swimming predatory fish that
hunt above reefs and in the open sea; some dig for crustaceans on
the seafloor.
 GENERAL
IDENTIFICATION
CHARACTERISTICS
COLOUR:

The species is dark above and paler below,

with some being entirely silvery, others
having dark or colored stripes, and some
changing patterns in their young.
HABITAT & BIOLOGY:

This family of commercial fishes, primarily

schooling, has continental distributions and
occurs primarily in brackish environments,
with some species being pelagic and found
near the surface.
FEEDING:

Meroplankton, including crab, coepod, shrimp,

and polychaete larvae, are crucial food
sources for carangids, particularly crustacean
larvae, according to Hermes and Guarin
(2003) and Shivakami (1996).
DISTRIBUTION

Carangidae (jacks, pompanos, jack mackerels, runners,

trevallies, and scad.), primarily found in tropical and
subtropical waters, are abundant in the Philippines,
which has a diverse marine ecosystem and extensive
coastline, making it an ideal habitat for these fish.
 Reproduction

Carangidae species reproduce through external

fertilization. They typically spawn in open water,
releasing large numbers of eggs and sperm. These
larvae eventually develop into juveniles,
transitioning to a more benthic lifestyle.
 ECOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE
Carangidae, are crucial to the Philippines'
marine ecosystems, infl uencing habitats
and feeding on smaller fish. Their presence
in coral reefs and mangroves contributes to
ecosystem health.

ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE
Carangidae species are a vital food source for
coastal communities worldwide, providing
livelihoods and high market value.
GENUS: Alepes
(Scad)
 Characteristic features:

• Adipose eyelid on
Alepes djedaba
posterior half of eye only
• Scutes on caudal (Shrimp scad)
peduncle
• 38–47 gill rakers on first
gill arch
• 0–2 scales on straight part
of lateral line
• Large black spot edged
with white above on
upper operculum
• Caudal fin bright yellow
with black upper lobe
• Size up to 40cm
 Characteristic features:

• Upper jaw with two rows Alepes kleinii

of small teeth
• Scutes on caudal (Banded scad)
peduncle
• Body oval
• Adipose eyelid on
posterior half of eye only
• Large black spot on upper
operculum
• Caudal fin bright yellow
with black upper lobe
• Size up to 20cm
 Characteristic features:
Alepes
• Adipose eyelid on posterior
half of eye only
melanoptera
• Scutes on caudal peduncle (Blackfin scad)
• 24–30 gill rakers on first gill
arch
• Lateral line strongly arched
above pectoral fin
• 0–4 scales on straight part of
lateral line
• Dusky blotch on margin of
opercle
• First dorsal-fin membranes
black
• Size up to 25cm
 Characteristic features:
Alepes vari
• Both jaws with a single row
of small conical teeth
(Herring scad)
• Eyes small
• Body rather elongate
• Adipose eyelid on posterior
half of eye only
• Faint black blotch on upper
operculum
• Caudal fin dusky yellow
• Size up to 65cm
GENUS: Decapterus
(Scad)
 Characteristic features:
Decapterus
• Scutes on caudal peduncle
• Body elongate
kurroides
• Separate finlet at end of soft (Redtail scad)
dorsal and anal fins
• 47–55 scales in straight part
of lateral line
• End of upper jaw straight
above
• Caudal fin red
• Size up to 45cm
 Characteristic features:
Decapterus
• Scutes on caudal peduncle
• Body very elongate macarellus
• Separate finlet at end of soft (Mackerel scad)
dorsal and anal fins
• 18–39 scales in straight part
of lateral line
• End of upper jaw straight
above
• Caudal fin dusky
• Size up to 45cm
 Characteristic features:
Decapterus
• Scutes on caudal peduncle
• Body elongate and slender macrosoma
• Separate finlet at end of soft (Shortfin scad)
dorsal and anal fins
• 14–29 scales in straight part
of lateral line
• End of upper jaw concave
above
• Size up to 35cm
 Characteristic features:
Decapterus russelli
• Scutes on caudal peduncle
• Body elongate (Indian scad)
• Separate finlet at end of soft
dorsal and anal fins
• 0–4 scales in straight part of
lateral line
• End of upper jaw slightly
concave
• Caudal fin pale to dusky
brown
• Size up to 35cm
 Characteristic features:
• Scutes on caudal peduncle Decapterus tabl
• Body elongate and slender
• Separate finlet at end of soft (Roughear scad)
dorsal and anal fins
• 4–12 scales in straight part of
lateral line
• End of upper jaw slightly
concave
• Caudal fin bright red
• Size up to 48cm
GENUS: Selar
(Scad)
 Characteristic features:
Selar boops
• Upper jaw with small teeth
• Shoulder girdle margin (Oxeye Scad)
(under operculum) with 2
papillae
• Large scutes on caudal
peduncle
• 21–24 scales in curved part of
lateral line
• Yellow stripe usually on sides
• Size up to 26cm
 Characteristic features:
Selar
• Upper jaw with small teeth crumenophthalmus
• Shoulder girdle margin
(under operculum) with 2 (Bigeye scad)
papillae
• Moderately sized scutes on
caudal peduncle
• Curved part of lateral line
with 48–56 scales
• Narrow yellow stripe on sides
• Size up to 30cm
GENUS: Selaroides
(Scad)

Selaroides
Characteristic features:
leptolepis
• Upper jaw without teeth
• Shoulder girdle margin (under
operculum) smooth and without
papillae
• Broad yellow stripe on side
• Distinct black oval opercular spot
near start of lateral line
• Size up to 24cm
GENUS: Atropus
(Trevally)
 Characteristic features:
Atropus armatus
• Scutes on caudal peduncle
• Body deep
(Longfin trevally)
• Profile of head steep
• Non-scaled area on breast
extending to pectoral-fin
base but not above
• 19–22 dorsal-fin soft rays
• 31–37 gill rakers on 1st gill
arch
• Size up to 58cm
 Characteristic features:
Atropus atropos
• Scutes on caudal peduncle
• Belly with a deep groove to
(Cleftbelly trevally)
receive pelvic fins and anal-
fin spines
• Pelvic fins long and blackish
• 6–12 central rays of dorsal fin
filamentous in adult males
• Body oval, compressed
• Size up to 27cm
 Characteristic features:

• Scutes on caudal peduncle Atropus aurochs

• Gill rakers long and feather-
like
(Silvermouth
• 20–22 dorsal-fin soft rays
• Total gill rakers on upper limb
trevally)
of first gill arch 16–21
• 2nd dorsal-fin lobe elongate
in young
• Lower jaw protruding only
slightly beyond upper jaw
• Jaws without enlarged
canines
• First 5 to 8 soft dorsal-fin
rays produced as filaments in
large males only
 Characteristic features:

• Scutes on caudal peduncle Atropus mentalis

• Gill rakers extremely long
and feather-like
(Longrakered
• 21 or 22 dorsal-fin soft rays
• 23 or 27 gill rakers on upper
trevally)
limb of 1st gill arch
• 2nd dorsal-fin lobe elongate
in young
• Lower jaw very prominent in
adults
• Jaws without enlarged
canines
• Size up to 85cm
 Characteristic features: Atropus
• Scutes on caudal peduncle hedlandensis
• Body deep
• Head profile steep with a
(Bumpnose
distinct hump forward of eyes trevally)
• Central rays of soft dorsal
and anal fin filamentous in
adult males
• 20–22 dorsal-fin soft rays
• Size up to 32cm
GENUS: Caranx
(Trevally)
 Characteristic features:

• Adipose eyelid small

Caranx heberi
anteriorly, posterior adipose
eyelid extending to rear (Blacktip trevally
border of pupil
• Scutes on caudal peduncle
• 24–27, but rarely 27 gill
rakers on first gill arch
• Lateral line almost straight
anteriorly, curving down
gradually level with posterior
of first dorsal fin
• No dark spot on upper
margin of opercle
• Upper lobe of dorsal fin dark
to black
 Characteristic features: Caranx ignobilis
• Large scutes on caudal (Giant trevally)
peduncle
• Naked area on breast
separated from naked
pectoral base by broad scaled
area
• Head profile steep
• 20–24 gill rakers on 1st gill
arch
• 18–21 dorsal-fin soft rays
• Size up to 165cm
 Characteristic features:
Caranx lugubris
• Profile of head relatively
steep and angular
(Black jack)
• Breast completely scaly
• Adipose eyelid moderately
developed
• 23–30 gill rakers on first gill
arch
• Upper end of operculum
frequently with small black
spot
• Size up to 73cm
 Characteristic features:
Caranx
• Large scutes on caudal
peduncle
melampygus
• Breast completely scaled (Bluefin trevally)
• Head profile curved
• 21–24 dorsal-fin soft rays
• Adults with blue fins and blue
spots on upper sides
• Size up to 100cm
 Characteristic features: Caranx papuensis
• Large scutes on caudal (Brassy trevally)
peduncle
• Non-scaled area on breast
separated from naked
pectoral base by broad scaled
area
• 26–30 gill rakers on 1st gill
arch
• 21–23 dorsal-fin rays
• Fine black spots on sides
• Opercular spot white
• Size up to 68cm
 Characteristic features: Caranx
• Large scutes on caudal sexfasciatus
peduncle
• Breast fully scaled (Bigeye trevally)
• Head profile curved
• 19–22 dorsal-fin soft rays
• Small black spot above
opercle
• 2nd dorsal-fin lobe blackish
with white tip in adult
• Anal fin yellowish
• Size up to 85cm
 Characteristic features: Caranx tille
• Large scutes on caudal (Tille trevally)
peduncle
• Breast fully scaled
• Head profile curved to blunt
• 20–22 dorsal-fin soft rays
• Large black spot above
opercle
• 2nd dorsal-fin lobe blackish
without white tip
• Size up to 70cm
GENUS:Platycaranx
(Trevally)
 Characteristic features: Platycaranx chrysophrys
• Scutes on caudal peduncle
(Longnose trevally)
• Body deep
• Head profile gently sloping
but vertical just above mouth
• Non-scaled area on breast
extending to pectoral-fin
base but not above
• 18–20 dorsal-fin soft rays
• Size up to 77cm
 Characteristic features: Platycaranx malabaricus
• Scutes on caudal peduncle
(Malabar trevally)
• Body deep
• Head profile angular and
straight to nape
• Non-scaled area on breast
extending to just above
pectoral-fin base
• 20–23 dorsal-fin soft rays
• Tongue greyish brown
• Size up to 28cm
 Characteristic features: Platycaranx
talamparoides
• Scutes on caudal peduncle
• Body compressed, oval in (Imposter trevally)
shape
• 27–31 gill rakers on first gill
arch
• Breast scaleless to behind
pelvic fins, often to anal-fin
origin, and diagonally to
above pectoral-fin base
• Tongue white to pale grey
• Size up to 51cm
GENUS: Uraspis
(Trevally)
 Characteristic features: Uraspis uraspis

• Scutes on caudal peduncle

• Body oval (Whitemouth trevally)
• Non-scaled area of breast
extending to pectoral-fin
base
• 25–30 dorsal-fin soft rays
• Roof and floor of mouth white
and rest of mouth black
• Fins mostly pale
• Size up to 35cm
 Characteristic features: Uraspis secunda
(Cottonmouth trevally)
• Scutes on caudal peduncle
• Body oval
• Non-scaled area of breast
interrupted by broad scaled
area before pectoral-fin base
• 25–30 dorsal-fin soft rays
• Roof and floor of mouth white
and rest of mouth black
• Fins dusky
• Size up to 58cm
GENUS:Scomberoides
(Queenfish)
 Characteristic features: Scomberoides
commersonnianus
• Dorsal and anal fins with
semi-detached finlets
• Upper jaw extending well
(Talang queenfish)
beyond posterior margin of
eye
• No scutes on caudal peduncle
• Dorsal fin uniformly dusky
• A single series of 5–8 dark
blotches on sides
• Size up to 120cm
 Characteristic features: Scomberoides lysan
(Doublespotted queenfish)
• Dorsal and anal fins with
semi-detached finlets
• Upper jaw reaching level with
or just beyond posterior
margin of eye
• No scutes on caudal peduncle
• 2 series of 6–8 dark blotches
on sides
• Dorsal-fin lobe abruptly
blackish distally
• Size up to 67cm
 Characteristic features: Scomberoides tala
(Barred queenfish)
• Finlets present
• Upper jaw often extends
slightly beyond posterior
margin of eye
• No scutes on caudal peduncle
• Dorsal-fin lobe uniformly
dusky
• A single series of vertically
oblong dark blotches
intersecting lateral line
• Size up to 70cm
 Characteristic features: Scomberoides tol
(Needleskin queenfish)
• Dorsal and anal fins with
semi-detached finlets
• Upper jaw not extending to
posterior margin of eye
• Dorsal-fin lobe turning
abruptly black distally
• No scutes on caudal peduncle
• A single series of 5–8 dark
blotches on sides
• Size up to 51cm
GENUS: Seriola
(Amberjack)
 Characteristic features: Seriola dumerili
(Greater amberjack)
• Dorsal-fin lobe equal to or
slightly longer than pectoral
fin length
• 11–19 gill rakers on first gill
arch
• 18–22 dorsal-fin soft rays
• No scutes or fleshy keel on
caudal peduncle
• Caudal peduncle with dorsal
and ventral grooves
• No separate finlets

• Size up to 180cm
 Characteristic features: Seriola rivoliana
(Highfin amberjack)
• No scutes or fleshy keel on
caudal peduncle
• No separate finlets
• Upper jaw ending below
anterior margin of eye
• 27–33 dorsal-fin soft rays
• Faint yellowish stripe on body
• Dark oblique bar beneath
nape

• Size up to 120cm
GENUS: Seriolina
(Amberjack)
Seriolina nigrofasciata
Characteristic features:

• Upper jaw ending below posterior

margin of eye
• Anal-fin base much shorter than
soft dorsal-fin base
• No separate finlets
• Low fleshy keel on caudal peduncle
• Spinous dorsal fin blackish
• Size up to 70cm
GENUS: Trachinotus
(Pompano)

Characteristic features: Trachinotus africanus

• No scutes on caudal peduncle (Southern Pompano)
• Soft dorsal and anal fins equal in
length and without separate finlets
• 21–23 dorsal-fin soft rays
• Profile of head broadly rounded
• No spots on sides
• Anal and caudal fins yellowish
• Size up to 92cm
THANK YOU!