Pomatomidae
by E. Tortonese
Opercle with 1 short spine. Premaxillae protractile. Strong and acute teeth on jaws, villiform on vomer and palatines. 2 dorsal fins, very close, joined by a membrane or separated; anal fin with 2 small spines; caudal fin slightly forked. Scales small, almost cycloid, on body, also on head, and extending onto dorsal and anal fins.
Habitat: pelagic along the continental shelf at 0-200 m. Swift fish, living in shoals, chiefly when young, often migratory; activity mainly diurnal. Food: fishes, crustaceans, cephalopods. Reproduction: during spring and summer (Mediterranean); eggs pelagic.
Genera 1.