Fin's Fish Guide
The Banded scad (Alepes djedaba) is a saltwater fish of the family Carangidae that grows up to 40 cm.
Description
The banded scad is a fast jack of the family Carangidae reaching about 40 cm. The streamlined, silvery-grey body has a greenish back, a black spot on the upper edge of the gill cover and, like other scads, a row of bony scutes on the rear part of the lateral line. The species is native to the Indo-Pacific but has entered the eastern Mediterranean through the Suez Canal, where as a Lessepsian migrant it has become locally numerous. In fast schools it hunts small fish, shrimps and zooplankton in shallow coastal water. In the eastern Mediterranean it is a valued commercial and sport fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Banded scad?
The Banded scad has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Fast horse-mackerel relative with a black blotch on the edge of the operculum and a row of bony plates on the rear part of the lateral line.
Where does the Banded scad live?
The Banded scad lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Originally widespread in the Indo-Pacific, in shallow coastal waters.
How big does the Banded scad get?
The Banded scad grows to a maximum of about 40 cm. On average the species is around 25 cm.
Is the Banded scad dangerous to humans?
No, the Banded scad is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Banded scad edible?
Yes, the Banded scad is commonly eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Banded scad and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Alepes
More from the family Carangidae
Want the complete picture on the Banded scad?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Banded scad is one of 12,519 species in the app.