Family with about 140 species and 30 genera, high morphologic diversity, ranging from slender (Oligoplites) to deep bodied (Selene). Prominent characteristics of larvae are supra-occipital crest, and separation of two anterior-most anal fin spines from third spine in most species. Form of supra-occipital crest used to distinguish some taxa (Aboussouan, 1975). Carangids develop two series of pre-opercular spines, one along posterior margin, another in anterior margin. Number of pre-opercular spines changes during development. Trachurus spp. larvae with relatively large head with supra-occipital crest, and several spines on posterior and anterior margins of pre-opercle. Two rows of melanophores along dorsal and ventral margins of body, and another row along mid-lateral line on tail. Dorso-lateral surfaces of gut heavily pigmented. Small melanophores are on head region (Trachurus lathami). Flexion larvae of Selene setapinnis deep body, elongate first dorsal fin spines and ventral fin rays. Separation of first two anal fin spines from third one becomes clear in juvenile stage. Batch of melanophores on mid-lateral line of tail from pre-flexion stage, number of melanophores increases with size. Several melanophores scattered on dorso-lateral side of trunk, on first dorsal, anal and ventral fin membranes and over mid-brain (Selene setapinnis).
Table Carangidae
22 geographic zones