Fin's Fish Guide
The Bleekeri's mackerel scad (Decapterus russelli) is a saltwater fish of the family Carangidae that grows up to 45 cm.
Indo-West Pacific, from the Red Sea and East Africa to Indonesia and Japan.
Description
The Indian scad is a slender scad of the family Carangidae widely distributed across the Indo-West Pacific. The species has a fusiform, blue-silvery body with detached finlets behind the dorsal and anal fins and reaches about 45 cm. Adults form large schools in deeper water but sometimes also occur in sheltered bays. They feed mainly on small zooplankton. It is the most common scad in the Indian Ocean and a very important commercial fish, marketed fresh, dried, salted, frozen or canned.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Bleekeri's mackerel scad?
The Bleekeri's mackerel scad has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly blue and shows a plain pattern. Separate finlets behind the dorsal and anal fin; the most common scad of the Indian Ocean.
Where does the Bleekeri's mackerel scad live?
The Bleekeri's mackerel scad lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Indo-West Pacific, from the Red Sea and East Africa to Indonesia and Japan.
How big does the Bleekeri's mackerel scad get?
The Bleekeri's mackerel scad grows to a maximum of about 45 cm. On average the species is around 30 cm.
Is the Bleekeri's mackerel scad dangerous to humans?
No, the Bleekeri's mackerel scad is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Bleekeri's mackerel scad edible?
Yes, the Bleekeri's mackerel scad is a highly prized food fish.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Bleekeri's mackerel 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 Decapterus
More from the family Carangidae
Want the complete picture on the Bleekeri's mackerel scad?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Bleekeri's mackerel scad is one of 12,519 species in the app.