Trachinotus ovatus (Linnaeus 1758)

Diagnosis: body moderately long (its depth 2.6-3.5 times in fork length) (Ref. 57392, 81654) and compressed (Ref. 57392). Upper jaw very narrow at posterior end and extending only to below anterior third of eye; 22-32 gill rakers on lower limb of first gill arch (Ref. 57392). Tongue with small band of teeth (Ref. 81654). 2 dorsal fins, 1st with 6 spines, 2nd with 1 spine and 23-27 soft rays; anal fin with 2 detached spines followed by 1 spine and 22-25 soft rays (Ref. 57392, 81654). Lobes of soft dorsal and anal fins small (Ref. 57392), dorsal fin lobe 3.9-5.6 times in fork length (Ref. 81654). Length of second dorsal fin base equal to length of anal fin base (Ref. 35388). 2nd dorsal-fin lobe and pectoral fins shorter than head; scales small, cycloid, partially embedded in skin; lateral line very slightly arched over pectoral fins, straight thereafter, and without scutes (Ref. 57392). 3-5 black spots along anterior half of lateral line(Ref. 35388, 57392, 81654).Coloration: back greenish-grey, sides silvery with 3-5 vertically elongate black spots on anterior half of lateral line; dorsal-, anal- and caudal-fin lobes black-tipped (Ref. 57392).

Dorsal spines (total): 7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 23 - 27; Analspines: 3; Analsoft rays: 22 - 25

Feeds on fish, crustaceans, and mollusks (Ref. 28587).

Adults are moderately common in shallow water in areas of surge. Found in clear waters (Ref. 27584), over sand or mud bottoms (Ref. 27000, 57392). Occasionally enters lagoons and river estuaries (Ref. 57392). Form schools (Ref. 27584, 57392). Small specimens are regularly caught at night from steep rocky shores. Adults feed on small crustaceans, mollusks and fishes (Ref. 4233). Eggs are pelagic (Ref. 4233).

fisheries: minor commercial; aquaculture: commercial; gamefish: yes; price category: low; price reliability: reliable: based on ex-vessel price for this species