Family SCOMBERESOCIDAE

Scomberesocidae

© Copyright Ros Poole.

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Introduction

The Scomberesocidae were revised most recently by Hubbs & Wisner (1980), who recognised four monotypic genera from subtropical and warm temperate waters. Collette et al. (1984) and Collette (2004) recognised only two genera. One species is known from Australian waters.

King gars are marine fishes of the open ocean, where they feed on plankton. They have elongate bodies, jaws lengthened into slender, fragile beaks (reduced or absent in some non-Australian species) and posterior dorsal and anal fins followed by 4–7 finlets. Two of the non-Australian species are dwarfs, not exceeding 12.6 cm. Maximum size for the family is 35 cm.

General References

Collette, B.B. 2004. Family Scomberesocidae Müller 1843. California Academy of Sciences Annotated Checklists of Fishes 21: 1-6

Collette, B.B., McGowen, G.E., Parin, N.V. & Mito, S. 1984. Beloniformes: development and relationships. pp. 335-354 figs 172-185 in Moser, H.G. et al. (eds). Ontogeny and Systematics of Fishes. American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists. Special Publication 1: 1-760

Hubbs, C.L. & Wisner, R.L. 1980. Revision of the sauries (Pisces, Scomberesocidae) with descriptions of two new genera and one new species. Fishery Bulletin (U.S.) 77(3): 521-566 figs 1-17

Common Name References

Hutchins, J.B. & Swainston, R. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete field guide for anglers and divers. Perth : Swainston Publishing 180 pp. [124] (Saury)

Pollard, J. (ed.) 1980. G.P. Whitley's Handbook of Australian Fishes. North Sydney : Jack Pollard Publishing Pty Ltd 629 pp. [61] (Billfish)

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