Mackerel scad

The Mackerel scad, Decapterus macarellus, is a species of fish of the family, Carangidae. While Mackerel scad are considered gamefish, they are usually used as bait.

Description

The largest Mackerel scad recorded was 46 cm long .They have elongated bodies that look somewhat circular when viewed head on. They are distinguishable by a small, detached fin, located between the dorsal and caudal fins. Mackerel scad have 9 spines and 31-36 rays on their dorsal fins, while there are 7 spines and 27-30 ray's on their anal fins .

The Mackerel scad's fins are black metallic to blue green and its belly is white . The edge of the operculum has a small, black spot , while there are no spots on the lateral line. Makeral scad's caudal fins have been described as reddish to yellow-green .

Distribution and habitat

The Makerel scad's range covers most of the world's oceans. In the western Atlantic, they have been found off Nova Scotia and Bermuda, south to Rio de Janero , although they do not seem common in the Gulf of Mexico . In the eastern Atlantic, Makerel scad have been found off St. Helena, Ascension island, and Cape Verde.They have also been recorded in the Gulf of Guinea, The Azores, and Madeira. In the Indian ocean, Makerel scad have been found in the Red sea and the Gulf of Aden they are also known from South Africa, the Mascarenes, the Seychelles, and Sri Lanka. In the eastern Pacific, they are known fromRevillagigedo Island, the Gulf of California, and the coast of Ecuador.

Mackerel scad usually live in sub-tropical seas at depths up to 400 m. They prefer clear water, and a frequently found around islands . Although Mackerel scad have been found at the surface, they are usually caught at depths between 40 and 200 meters. They feed mainly on zooplankton.

Translation of "Mackerel scad"

Catalan: Decapterus macarellus, Chinese: 細鱗圓鰺.