1. Scombridae & Scorpaenidae1 Family Scombridae Mackerels and Tunas Common species: oKing Mackerel (Scomberomorus cavalla) oSpanish Mackerel (Scomberomorus maculatus) oLittle Tunny (Euthynnus alletteratus) oBluefin Tuna (Thunnus thynnus) Yellowfin Tuna

2. Scombridae & Scorpaenidae2 Scombridae Characteristics Constitute < 10% of the worlds total catch by weight Top carnivores of the epipelagic zone in both tropical and subtropical seas oCapture through high speed swimming (Thunniform swimming)

3. Scombridae & Scorpaenidae3 Thunniform Swimming

4. Scombridae & Scorpaenidae4 Heat Exchangers Typical ectothermic fish oFrom the heart, blood enters the gills where it becomes the same temp. as the surrounding water oPasses to the core of the body cooling the core temperature of the fish Endothermic oSwimming muscles are close to the body core and heat exchangers (rete mirabile)conserve generated heat

6. Scombridae & Scorpaenidae6 King & Spanish Mackerel King Mackerel Spanish Mackerel

7. Scombridae & Scorpaenidae7 Little Tunny Fast growing species o1 year = 14” o4 years = 30”

8. Scombridae & Scorpaenidae8 Bluefin Tuna Undergo extensive migrations for feeding and reproduction Speculation on the two stock theory in the Atlantic and Mediterranean

9. Scombridae & Scorpaenidae9 Family Scorpaenidae Scorpionfishes & Rockfishes Common species: oSpotted Scorpionfish (Scorpaena plumieri) oSpinycheek Scorpionfish (Neomerinthe hemingwayi) Spotted Scorpionfish

10. Scombridae & Scorpaenidae10 Scorpaenid Characteristics Most spp. are similar in appearance Large head, mouth, eyes, and pectoral fins

11. Scombridae & Scorpaenidae11 Scorpaenid Venom Some spp. aggressively angle spines towards humans The neurotoxin can be injected by means of venom glands at the base of hypodermic needle-like spines Stonefish have deadly venom Most spp. possess toxic spines in dorsal, anal, and pelvic fins

12. Scombridae & Scorpaenidae12 Scorpaenidae Spines

13. Scombridae & Scorpaenidae13 Venomous Scorpaenids Lionfish Stonefish

14. Scombridae & Scorpaenidae14 Rockfish & Ocean Perch Pacific coast species oCommercially viable but slow growth rate makes them overexploited oMost spp. average 25- 50 years old and can reach 140 years