Broad Banded Spanish Mackerel

Interpelvic process small and bifid. Lateral line gradually curving down toward caudal peduncle. Intestine with 2 folds and 3 limbs. Swim bladder absent. Body covered with small scales. Juveniles (less than 10 cm) marked with 12-20 vertical bands which becomes less distinct or break into spots in larger fish.

Oceanodromous. Migrating within oceans typically between spawning and different feeding areas, as tunas do. Migrations should be cyclical and predictable and cover more than 100 km.

Dorsal spines (total): 13 - 15; Dorsal soft rays (total): 19 - 22; Analspines: 0; Analsoft rays: 19 - 22; Vertebrae: 44 - 46

Pelagic species which is generally captured in inshore waters of higher turbidity than waters frequented by school (S. queenslandicus) or spotted (S. munroi) mackerel (Ref. 30572). There is some evidence that larvae and juveniles are dependent on estuarine and coastal nursery habitats (Ref. 30572).

Found more commonly around coastal headlands and rocky reefs but are also caught offshore (Ref. 6390). Juveniles (4.5 to 10 cm length) are commonly encountered during November along the beaches of Townsville, Queensland and grow to twice this size by January. They are pelagic predators, feeding exclusively on baitfish (sardines and herrings (Ref. 30572). Caught also with set lines aside from trolling with small lures or cut bait. Marketed fresh and frozen; eaten fried, broiled and baked (Ref. 9988).

fisheries: commercial; gamefish: yes; bait: occasionally