Fin's Fish Guide
The Cordyla scad (Megalaspis cordyla) is a brackish-water fish of the family Carangidae that grows up to 80 cm.
Description
The torpedo scad is a jack of the family Carangidae from the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 80 cm and has a streamlined, torpedo-shaped, silvery body with a thin tail stem armoured by a row of large, hardened scales (scutes), and finlets behind the dorsal and anal fins. Adults are mainly oceanic and pelagic and form fast schools, rarely seen above reefs. As a fast predator it hunts small fishes and crustaceans. The torpedo scad is an important commercial fish and is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Cordyla scad?
The Cordyla scad has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Slender, armoured caudal peduncle with separate finlets; fast, oceanic schooling mackerel relative.
Where does the Cordyla scad live?
The Cordyla scad lives in brackish water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-West Pacific; oceanic, pelagic coastal waters.
How big does the Cordyla scad get?
The Cordyla scad grows to a maximum of about 80 cm. On average the species is around 45 cm.
Is the Cordyla scad dangerous to humans?
No, the Cordyla scad is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Cordyla scad edible?
Yes, the Cordyla scad is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Carangidae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Cordyla scad is one of 12,519 species in the app.