Shortfin scad
📖 Overview
A predominately pelagic schooling species . Occasionally seen in small groups along reef slopes adjacent to deep water in pursuit of zooplankton . Adults feed mainly on small invertebrates . Marketed fresh and salted or dried .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 33 - 38; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 27 - 30. Body slender, elongate, and somewhat circular in cross section; posterior end of upper jaw concave dorsally and with a rounded protrusion ventrally; edge of shoulder girdle (cleithrum) with two small papillae, the lower one larger; dorsal and anal fin each followed by a separate finlet . Color metallic blue dorsally, silvery ventrally; fins hyaline; opercle with a small black spot . 24-40 scutes. Very slender compared to similar species .: fusiform / normal; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Shortfin scad is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 20 - 214 m , usually 30 - 70 m . Tropical; 39°N - 34°S, 180°W - 180°E Southeast Atlantic: from Knysna to Natal, South Africa.
🌿 Ecology
small invertebrates (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Shortfin 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 | 20.4 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 221 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Shortfin scad has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Long-bodied Mackerel-scad · Long-bodied Scad · Shortfin Scad · Slender Mackerel-scad · Slender Scad · Slender Scad, Shortfin scad · blue mackerel scad · cherootfish |
| 🌍CES | kranas krátkoploutvý |
| 🇫🇷French | Carangue maquereau effilée · Comète fine |
| 🇯🇵Japanese | Moro · モロ |
| 🇵🇹Portuguese | Carapau-esbelto |
| 🇷🇺Russian | Короткоплавниковая десятипёрая ставрида |
| 🇪🇸Spanish | Jurel Fino · Macarela Fina · macarela alicorta |
| 🌍TAH | 'operu |
| 🌍THA | ปลาทูแขกครีบสั้น |
| 🇨🇳Chinese | 長身圓鰺 |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Decapterus afuerae | Hildebrand | 1946 | Synonym |
| Decapterus macrosorna | Bleeker | 1851 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 34 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
No observations yet - be the first to log one!
View all observations for Shortfin scad ↗Spotted incorrect or outdated data? Submit a correction and our editorial team will review it. Approved edits go live within 48 hours.
Found a factual error, broken data, or inappropriate content? Let us know and we will investigate promptly.