Needlescaled queenfish (Scomberoides tol) is a saltwater, brackish species recorded in Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia. It is mainly found over reef, at depths of 20–50 m. The main season in Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia runs all year.
Scientific name: Scomberoides tol · Water: Saltwater, Brackish · Season: All year
Size: up to 60 cm
The needlescaled queenfish is a carangid found near the surface in coastal waters in small schools, feeding on fishes. Its dorsal and anal fins carry venom. It is widespread through the Indo-West Pacific, from Natal in South Africa northward through the Indian Ocean and from Japan south to Australia and east to Fiji. It lives from 20 to 50 m in water of about 26 to 29 degrees Celsius, and is in season all year. It reaches about 60 cm total length, commonly 40 cm. It is a minor commercial species and a game fish, marketed fresh and sometimes dried or salted, in the medium price band, with a trophic level of 4.1, low fishing vulnerability at 24 of 100 but high to very high climate vulnerability at 71, and high resilience.
Caution: has venomous spines. Take great care when unhooking and handling; the sting is extremely painful.
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