Scomberoides tol (Cuvier, 1832)
Needlescaled queenfish
Scomberoides tol
photo by Gloerfelt-Tarp, T.

Family:  Carangidae (Jacks and pompanos), subfamily: Scomberoidinae
Max. size:  60 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 510.0 g
Environment:  reef-associated; brackish; marine; depth range 20 - 50 m
Distribution:  Indo-West Pacific: widespread throughout the Indian Ocean from Natal, South Africa northward and from Japan south to Australia and east to Fiji.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 7-8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 19-21; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 18-20. Dorsally bluish, ventrally silver or white, with 5-8 vertically oblong or oval black spots5-8, the first 4-5 intersect the lateral line, dorsal fin lobe black outer half (Ref. 3197, 90105). Body strongly compressed, oblong and elliptical, dorsal and ventral profiles equally convex. In adults, upper jaw extends to posterior edge of pupil. Soft rays of posterior dorsal and anal fins consist of semi-detached finlets (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Adults are found near the surface in coastal waters (Ref. 30573), in small schools. They feed on fishes (Ref. 5213). Dorsal and anal fins may carry toxins (Ref. 12484). Generally marketed fresh, may be dried or salted (Ref. 5284).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 09 March 2015 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  venomous


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