Genus Scomberoides

Key to species of Scomberoides (modified from Smith-Vaniz & Staiger 1973)

la. Gill rakers 8 to 15; dorsal-fin lobe uniformly pigmented ……………….............................……………………………………………2   

lb. Gill rakers 21 to 27; distal half of dorsal-fin lobe abruptly and heavily pigmented ……………..........................……....3   

2a. Large oval blotches above or touching lateral line; upper jaw extends well beyond posterior margin of eye, especially in adults; snout 21 to 26 (mean 23.4)  percent HL; dentary teeth of inner and outer rows subequal in adults ………………….......……………..…….....................................................................…………….Scomberoides commersonianus   

2b. Vertically elongate blotches intersecting lateral line; upper jaw extends slightly beyond posterior margin of eye; snout 26 to 30 (mean 28.2) percent HL; inner row dentary teeth distinctly larger than outer row teeth in adults ……………………………..................…………………..…............................................……………………………….. Scomberoides tala   

3a. Double series of 6 to 8 dusky, roundish blotches above and below lateral line, occasionally  connected by narrow isthmus; scales lanceolate ………………………................................................…………………………Scomberoides lysan   

3b. Oval or vertically oblong blotches, the first 4 or 5 intersecting lateral line; scales slender,  needle-like …………........................……...................……..…………………………………………………………………………………………….Scomberoides tol