Carangid is a word that refers to a fish belonging to the family Carangidae. The spelling of the word is pronounced as /kəˈræŋɡɪd/, with the emphasis on the second syllable. The word originates from the Greek word karax meaning "sea-fish," and the suffix -id that means "related to." Carangid is often used by biologists and fish enthusiasts to refer to a diverse group of fish species, including jack fish, pompanos, and trevallies. Overall, the spelling of carangid follows the rules of English spelling, but its origin is from Greek.
Carangid refers to any of the species of fish belonging to the family Carangidae, which is a diverse and cosmopolitan group of marine fish. These fish are commonly known as carangids or carangoids. Carangids are characterized by their elongated bodies, streamlined shape, and deeply forked tails, which enable them to be fast swimmers. They have a single dorsal fin that extends most of the length of their bodies, as well as a row of scutes (thick, bony scales) along their lateral line.
Carangids encompass a wide range of species, including jacks, pompanos, trevallies, and amberjacks. They have a worldwide distribution, inhabiting both coastal and offshore waters of tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions. These fish are highly adapted predators, feeding mainly on small fish and invertebrates.
Carangids are of significant economic and ecological importance. They are both commercially and recreationally fished, prized for their sporting qualities and delicious flesh. In addition, they play crucial roles in marine ecosystems, acting as top predators and regulating prey species populations. Due to their abundance and ecological significance, carangids are often used as indicator species in assessing the health and sustainability of marine environments.
The word carangid derives from the scientific name of the family of fishes known as Carangidae. The Carangidae family includes various species of fish commonly known as jacks, trevallies, pompanos, and scads. The term carangid itself was coined by combining the Latin word caranx, which means a kind of fish, with the suffix -id, meaning belonging to or related to. Therefore, carangid essentially means related to or belonging to the Carangidae family of fishes.