Pacific sierra
Scomberomorus sierra
Scomberomorus sierra is a Scombride, which is significant both as a sport fish as well as in commercial fishing. As a food fish it is very much appreciated.
Description
The first dorsal fin of this fish consists of 15 to 18 hard jets, the second dorsal fin from 16 to 19 soft rays. The anal fin has 16 to 21 soft rays. Upper and lower side of the tail stem, there are seven to ten Flössel. Typical of a Scombriden is the large, deeply divided caudal fin. The pectoral fins each have 21 soft rays usually. The flanks are silvery, the back slightly darker. On the flanks there are several rows of yellow, orange or brownish spots. A swim bladder is absent.
Distribution, habitat and biology
Scomberomorus sierra is common on the west coast of the Americas from Baja California to the coast of Peru and the Galapagos Islands. This species preferred shallow coastal waters to twelve feet of water. It feeds mainly on small herring -like, such as Anchovies. There is a group of fish.