Oder Perciformes Family Scombridae (mackerel, tuns, bonito) Indian mackerel Rastrelliger kanagurta(Cuvier, 1816). 42.1 cm TL Korean name/jul-mu-neui-go-deung-eo(줄무늬고등어/not registered Korean name) Dorsal spines (total): 8 - 11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 12.
Distribution; Indo-West Pacific/Red Sea and East Africa to Indonesia, north to the Ryukyu Islands and China, south to Australia, Melanesia and Samoa. Entered the eastern Mediterranean Sea through the Suez Canal. General; It is known by various names, such as 'Kembung' in Indonesia, Bangdi(બાંગડી) in Gujarati Bangda(बांगडा) in Marathi, Aiyla(അയല, ഐല) in Malayalam and 'Bangude'(ಬಂಗುಡೆ) in Tulu, Konkani and Kannada. Head longer than body depth. Maxilla partly concealed, covered by lachrymal bone but extending to about hind margin of eye. Bristles on longest gill raker 105 on one side in specimens of 12.7 cm, 140 in 16 cm, and 160 in 19 cm fork length specimens. (※Fork length/refer to the illustration in family page). These fish have thin dark longitudinal bands on the upper part of the body, which may be golden on fresh specimens. A black spot on body near lower margin of pectoral fin. Interpelvic process small and single. Swim bladder present. Anal spine rudimentary. Dorsal fins are yellowish with black tips, while the caudal and pectoral fins are yellowish. The remaining fins are dusky. Indian mackerel reach a maximum fork length of 42 centimetres, but are generally around 25 centimetres in length.
Adults occur in coastal bays, harbors and deep lagoons, usually in some turbid plankton-rich waters. Form schools. Feed on phytoplankton(diatoms) and small zooplankton(cladocerans, ostracods, larval polychaetes, etc.). Small groups were seen eating eggs of Cheilio inermis straight after spawning. Adult individuals feed on macroplankton such as larval shrimps and fish. Eggs and larvae are pelagic. Spawning occurs in batches. The eggs are laid in the water and are externally fertilized. The Indian mackerel do not guard their eggs, which are left to develop on their own. Generally marketed fresh, frozen, canned, dried-salted, and smoked; also made into fish sauce.
As food Indian mackerel is widely consumed in the states of western India. Called Bangude in Tulu, the fish is deep fried or pan fried with Rava or made into a spicy curry called Bangude puli munchi. Mangalorean Bangude Masala is a popular dish made of cooked mackerel fish served in households and eateries along the Karavalli coastline, in south-western India.
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