Fin's Fish Guide
The Herring scad (Alepes vari) is a brackish-water fish of the family Carangidae that grows up to 61 cm.
Description
The herring scad is a jack from the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 61 cm and has a laterally compressed, silvery body with a blue-green back and a row of bony scutes along the lateral line. It schools in shallow coastal and estuarine water and hunts small fish, crustaceans and plankton. It is a valued food and sport fish. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Herring scad?
The Herring scad has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Silvery compressed body with lateral-line scutes; schooling jack
Where does the Herring scad live?
The Herring scad lives in brackish water and is mostly found around open water. Indo-West Pacific
How big does the Herring scad get?
The Herring scad grows to a maximum of about 61 cm. On average the species is around 30 cm.
Is the Herring scad dangerous to humans?
No, the Herring scad is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Herring scad edible?
Yes, the Herring scad is commonly eaten.
More photos
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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 Herring scad?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Herring scad is one of 12,519 species in the app.