Carangids (Family: Carangidae) in the seas around Indian subcontinent with description of macro-taxonomic characters for the field identification of genera and species

Carangids formed nearly 5.5% of the marine fish production from Indian waters during 2004-2010. Fishery was supported by 60 species with 14 at commercial scale. Most of the species exhibit changes in morphologic/meristic characteristics and colour patterns with growth and some even exhibit sexual dimorphism. Taxonomy of each species and species specific variations in morphology, meristic counts as well as colour patterns with growth and sexual maturity were studied and based on very striking macro-taxonomic characters, a key was developed for field identification of genera and species of carangids from Indian waters. Pictorial illustrations on morphometric changes with growth and sexual dimorphism in those species wherever applicable has been provided.