Mackerel scad
📖 Overview
Adults prefer clear oceanic waters, frequently around islands . Sometimes they are found near the surface, but generally caught between 40 and 200 m depth . Pelagic . Usually seen as fast moving schools along the reef edges near deep water . They feed mainly on zooplankton . Eggs are pelagic . Caught with purse seines and trawls . Marketed fresh and salted or dried .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 31 - 37; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 27 - 31; Vertebrae: 24. This species is distinguished by the following characters: oral valve (membrane) at symphysis of upper jaw conspicuously white in adults; posterior end of upper jaw straight above, moderately rounded and noticeably slanted anteroventrally; both jaws without teeth; shoulder girdle (cleithrum) margin with 2 small papillae, the lower papilla larger; terminal dorsal- and anal-fin rays each consisting of a widely detached finlet; pectoral fins short (58 to 72% of head length), tip of appressed fins falling considerably short of a vertical line from second dorsal-fin origin; lateral line scales, curved 58-75 and without scutes, straight 18-39 with 24-40 scutes, the total scales and scutes in lateral line (excluding scales on caudal fin) 110 to 138; interorbital scales usually extending to above front margin of the pupil. Colour in life bluish green and slivery below; small black blotch on margin of opercle near upper edge; caudal fin yellow-green and dorsal fin lobe sometimes dark distally; anal and pelvic fins pale to whitish .: fusiform / normal; Cross section: oval.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Mackerel scad is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Mackerel scad is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Reproduction data for Mackerel scad is currently being compiled.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; pelagic-oceanic; depth range 0 - 400 m , usually 40 - 200 m . Subtropical; 54°N - 46°S, 180°W - 180°E South Africa, and Sri Lanka (Ref.
🌿 Ecology
zooplankton (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Mackerel scad is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 21.3 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 654 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Mackerel scad has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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