Meristic Analyses of Atlantic Mackerel, Scomber scombrus, from the North American Coastal Populations

Abstract

Mean counts of vertebrae, of anal and soft dorsal fin rays, and of peduncular finlets were identical in samples of Atlantic mackerel, Scomber scombrus, from the northern and southern breeding populations in the northwest Atlantic Ocean. This information, together with growth rates and biochemical evidence from the literature, suggests that although the populations occupy separate spawning regions there is sufficient exchange of individuals at other seasons to maintain considerable genetic continuity.