Identification
A sleek, silvery fish of 30 to 50 cm with a deeply forked tail and long, sickle-shaped pectoral and pelvic fins. Laterally compressed, streamlined body. Three to five dark oval spots above the lateral line. Small, subterminal mouth.
Ecology
A fast, pelagic swimmer of warm to temperate waters. Schools near the surface. Hunts small fish and crustaceans. Migrates northward in summer.
In the Netherlands
A rare warm-water visitor that may appear along the Dutch coast in warm summers. Sightings increasing with climate warming. A valued sport fish in southern waters that fights powerfully.
