ABSTRACT
The Scomberesocidae is defined by one derived character: the dorsal and anal fins are followed by a series of 4-7 finlets. This family is the sister group of the Belonidae forming the superfamily Scomberesocoidea sharing two derived characters: presence of a premaxillary canal and upper jaw at least slightly elongate (Collette et al. 1984). Other diagnostic characters include: third pair of upper pharyngeal bones separate, fourth upper pharyngeal bone usually present, and scales on the body are relatively small. There are no spines in the fins. The dorsal, with 14-18 rays, and anal fins, with 16-21 rays, are posterior in position; the pelvic fins, with 6 soft rays, are located in an abdominal position; and the pectoral fins are short, with 8-15 rays. The caudal fin is deeply forked and symmetrical, similar to a mackerel tail. The lateral line, when present, runs along the ventral margin of the body. Gill rakers present, 54-70 present on the first gill arch. Precaudal vertebrae number 32-43, caudal vertebrae 21-29, and total vertebrae 54-70. Maximum size of the two large species, Cololabis saira and Scomberesox saurus, 400450 mm SL; maximum size of the two dwarf species, C. adocoetus, 126 mm and S. simulans 68 mm.
