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Couta (Grammatorcynus bicarinatus) — Scombridae

Couta

Grammatorcynus bicarinatus
Family: Scombridae
LC · Least Concern

The Couta (Grammatorcynus bicarinatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Scombridae that grows up to 112 cm.

Length
112 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
15.0–50.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Large groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The shark mackerel is a mackerel (Scombridae) from the waters around Australia. The species has a streamlined, silvery body with large eyes and two lateral lines. It forms schools near bays and reefs and actively hunts small schooling fishes and squid. The flesh has a strong, shark-like smell, which explains the name. It is a sport and food fish. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Couta?

The Couta has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Couta live?

The Couta lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Couta get?

The Couta grows to a maximum of about 112 cm.

Is the Couta dangerous to humans?

No, the Couta is harmless to humans.

Is the Couta edible?

Yes, the Couta is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Australische haaimakreel sourced
English name
Couta verified
Scientific name
Grammatorcynus bicarinatus
Family
Scombridae
Other names
Double-lined mackerel; Double-lined scad; Large scale tuna; Largescale tunny; Large-scaled tuna verified

Appearance

Size class
Extra large verified
Max length (cm)
112.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain 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
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
15.0 verified
Max depth (m)
50.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Large groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Vissen met natuurlijk aas (vis, garnaal, worm) of kunstaas dicht bij rif- en rotsstructuren. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Grammatorcynus

More from the family Scombridae

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