Rastrelliger kanagurta (Cuvier, 1817)

English Name: Indian mackerel
Family: SCOMBRIDAE
Local Name: Karaverimas
Order: Perciformes
Size: Max. 35 cm
Specimen: MRS/P0155/87

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Distinctive Characters: Dorsal fins well separated. The first triangular with 8-Il spines, second dorsal and anal fins followed by 5 finlets. Pectoral fin short with 19-20 rays. Body moderately deep, its depth at margin of gill cover 4.3-5.2 in fork length. Gillrakers very long and visible when mouth is open.

Colour: Back blue-green, sides silver with golden tint, narrow dark longitudinal bands on upper part of body (golden in fresh specimens). A black spot on body near lower margin of pectoral fin.

Habitat and Biology: Pelagic in coastal waters. Often schooling in large numbers. Juveniles feed on phytoplankton, adults primarily on macroplankton such as larval shrimp and fish.

Distribution: Widespread in Indo-West Pacific.

Remarks: Rastre//iger kanagurtaappears to occuronly irregularly in central andsouthern Maldives. However, it occurs more regularly in northern Maldives, particularly during the north-east monsoon.