Size range: 25-70 cm (max. 100 cm)

Common size: 80 cm TL male/unsexed

Depth range: 1-150 m

Habitat: Water column

Water column position: Pelagic-Neritic

Schooling characteristics: Large schools

Colors & patterns: 3-7 black dots between the pectoral and pelvic fins; eight upper and seven lower finlets. first dorsal fin much higher than second and with a long base.

Behavior:

1. Whether the species is: Transient - not related to specific sites

2. Activity: Diurnal

3. Approach: Shy

4. Unique behavior: fast swimmer. Long spawning season from April to November. The eggs and larvae are planktonic

5. Feeding characteristic: feeds chiefly on schooling fishes but also large invertebrates.

Native/Exotic: Native; Atlanto-Mediterranaen in tropical and subtropical regions of both sides of the Atlantic ocean.

EM notes: description of special east Mediterranean characteristics.