Decapterus macrosoma


Shortfin scad DCC
Characteristic features:
Colour:

Metallic blue above, silvery below; a small black blotch on upper edge of operculum; caudal fin dusky; other fins pale.

Size:

Up to 35 cm TL.

Distribution:

Indo-West and Central Pacific in tropical waters.

Habitat:

Pelagic, from 30 to 170 m depth.

Biology:

Feeds primarily on small invertebrates. Forms small schools.

Indonesian fisheries:

Caught mainly with purse seines and trawls.

Similar species:

Decapterus kurroides
Redtail scad

Decapterus kurroides

Decapterus russelli differs in having the posterior end of upper jaw straight above, slightly concave and not noticeably slanted posteriorly (vs. posterior end of upper jaw concave above, rounded and produced below); curved part of lateral line with 0–4 scutes (vs. no scutes) and straight part of lateral line with scales 0–4 (vs. 14–29 scales).

Decapterus macarellus
Mackerel scad

Decapterus macarellus

Decapterus macarellus differs in having the posterior end of upper jaw straight above, straight to slightly concave below (vs. concave above, rounded and produced below); straight part of lateral line with 18–39 scales (vs. 14–29 scales); pectoral fins long, tips falling just short, or slightly beyond of level with second dorsal-fin origin (vs. considerably shorter, tips not reaching near second dorsal-fin origin) and oral valve (membrane) at symphysis of upper jaw conspicuously white in adults (vs. dusky or transparent).

Decapterus russelli
Indian scad

Decapterus russelli

Decapterus russelli differs in having the posterior end of upper jaw straight above, slightly concave and not noticeably slanted posteriorly (vs. posterior end of upper jaw concave above, rounded and produced below); curved part of lateral line with 0–4 scutes (vs. no scutes) and straight part of lateral line with scales 0–4 (vs. 14–29 scales).

Decapterus tabl
Roughear scad

Decapterus tabl

Decapterus tabl differs in having the posterior end of upper jaw not as noticeably slanted anteroventrally (vs. posterior end of upper jaw concave above, rounded and produced below); straight part of lateral line with 4–12 scales (vs. 14–29 scales) and caudal fin bright red (vs. hyaline to dusky).

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