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Australian seerfish (Scomberomorus munroi) — Scombridae

Australian seerfish

Scomberomorus munroi
Family: Scombridae
LC · Least Concern

The Australian seerfish (Scomberomorus munroi) is a saltwater fish of the family Scombridae that grows up to 104 cm.

Length
104 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–100.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Large groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Venomous / poisonous
Range
Western Pacific; open coastal waters.
Edibility
Highly prized

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Description

The Australian spotted mackerel is a Spanish mackerel (Scombridae) from the western Pacific. The species has a powerful, torpedo-shaped, silvery body with rows of small grey spots and sharp teeth. It is a fast, schooling predator of open coastal waters, usually further offshore than reefs and shoals. It hunts small schooling fishes, squid and shrimps. It is a valued sport and food fish. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Australian seerfish?

The Australian seerfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a spots pattern. Rows of small grey blotches; fast schooling king mackerel of open coastal waters.

Where does the Australian seerfish live?

The Australian seerfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. Western Pacific; open coastal waters.

How big does the Australian seerfish get?

The Australian seerfish grows to a maximum of about 104 cm.

Is the Australian seerfish dangerous to humans?

The Australian seerfish is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Australian seerfish edible?

Yes, the Australian seerfish is a highly prized food fish.

More photos

Australian seerfish (Scomberomorus munroi) — Scombridae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Nick Lambert, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA))
Australian seerfish (Scomberomorus munroi) — Scombridae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Jordan H, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Australian seerfish (Scomberomorus munroi) — Scombridae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Jeff Giddins, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Australian seerfish (Scomberomorus munroi) — Scombridae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) Kevin Long, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
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All data

Identification

English name
Australian seerfish verified
Scientific name
Scomberomorus munroi
Family
Scombridae
Other names
Australian spotted mackerel; Japanese Spanish mackerel; Spotted mackerel; Munro's Spanish mackerel; Spotty verified

Appearance

Size class
Extra large verified
Max length (cm)
104.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Spots inferred
Tail shape
Crescent (lunate) inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
Two separate inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Max depth (m)
100.0 verified
Natural range
Western Pacific; open coastal waters. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small schooling fishes, squid and shrimps sourced
Social behaviour
Large groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Rows of small grey blotches; fast schooling king mackerel of open coastal waters. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Highly prized sourced
Fishing method
Angling with lures or (dead/live) baitfish by trolling, casting or drift fishing in open water. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Venomous / poisonous sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Scomberomorus

More from the family Scombridae

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