Rainbow runner

Rainbow Mackerel ( Elagatis bipinnulata )

The rainbow mackerel ( Elagatis bipinnulata ) is a species of the family of mackerels ( Carangidae ).

Description

The spindle-shaped elongated body of up to 1.2 m long predatory fish indicates a fast ocean- swimmers. Back and flanks are light blue, pull on the flanks (usually two ) golden yellow stripes. The lower strip strongest starts behind the eye and extends across the center of the body to the tail. Back and strip transitions greenish shimmer. The belly is silvery. This dazzling contrast of light blue, greenish and yellow stripes brought the rainbow mackerel your Name.

The fins are pointed, the tail fin is deeply forked. The fin tips are yellowish crowded as in the related amberjack. The dorsal fin is preceded by 6 separate, inconspicuous spines that are separated by a distinct notch from the soft part of the dorsal fin. Supporting fins ( flippers fat ) and gutters are available at the caudal peduncle. The pectoral fins are extended also pointed, but not overly so.

The head is elongated, the mouth pointed, however, the foot column does not reach eye level. On the sidelines there are no scales.

The rainbow mackerel is an edible fish and therefore of importance for the commercial fishery. It is also popular with offshore anglers.

Distribution area

Issues addressed by the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean, the West Indies, but also fragmented by Massachusetts to northern Brazil. Also in the eastern Pacific, from Cabo San Lucas ( Baja California) to the coasts of northern South America. In the near-surface layers of water, sometimes over reefs.

Diet

Like most mackerel -like, belonging to the perch -like fish, the rainbow mackerel has a predatory lifestyle. They feed on larger crustaceans in zooplankton and small fish.

Behavior

Very lively fish, like hunters like the Cobia, often found as an accompaniment of sharks and pilot fish. Trevally are constant swimmers who often find themselves together with schools, as well as the rainbow mackerel.

Propagation

About the breeding, spawning some time, little is known. Presumably, as with other trevally pelagic driving eggs containing oil globules, which is why the spawning floats freely in the water. The hatching larvae then feed on also free-floating plankton.

Swell

• National Audubon Society: Field Guide to North American Fishes, Whales and Dolphins. New York 1995