Fin's Fish Guide
The Blackfin queenfish (Scomberoides tol) is a brackish-water fish of the family Carangidae that grows up to 60 cm.
Indo-West Pacific, from the Red Sea and East Africa to Australia and the western Pacific.
Description
The needlescaled queenfish is a slender jack of the family Carangidae widely distributed across the Indo-West Pacific. The species has a streamlined, laterally compressed, silvery body with a row of round blotches along the lateral line, and reaches about 60 cm. Adults live near the surface in coastal waters, often in small schools, and hunt fishes. The dorsal and anal fin spines can carry venom. The species is of modest commercial importance and is marketed fresh, dried or salted.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Blackfin queenfish?
The Blackfin queenfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a spots pattern. Row of round spots along the lateral line; the dorsal and anal fin spines can contain venom.
Where does the Blackfin queenfish live?
The Blackfin queenfish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-West Pacific, from the Red Sea and East Africa to Australia and the western Pacific.
How big does the Blackfin queenfish get?
The Blackfin queenfish grows to a maximum of about 60 cm. On average the species is around 40 cm.
Is the Blackfin queenfish dangerous to humans?
The Blackfin queenfish is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. Be careful of the fin spines, which can carry venom and cause painful puncture wounds. Clean the wound and immerse it in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45 °C) to break down the venom; seek medical help in case of severe pain, swelling or an allergic reaction.
Is the Blackfin queenfish edible?
The Blackfin queenfish is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Scomberoides
More from the family Carangidae
Want the complete picture on the Blackfin queenfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Blackfin queenfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.