Fin's Fish Guide
The Pacific redtail scad (Decapterus kurroides) is a saltwater fish of the family Carangidae that grows up to 45 cm.
Description
The redtail scad is a scad from the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 45 cm and has a slender, torpedo-shaped, silvery body with a blue-green back and a conspicuously reddish tail, and a row of bony scutes along the rear lateral line. It schools fast in open water over the continental slope, between about 100 and 300 metres, and hunts small zooplankton and fish. It is an important commercial food and bait fish. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Pacific redtail scad?
The Pacific redtail scad has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Reddish tail and lateral-line scutes; fast schooling scad
Where does the Pacific redtail scad live?
The Pacific redtail scad lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-West Pacific
How big does the Pacific redtail scad get?
The Pacific redtail scad grows to a maximum of about 45 cm. On average the species is around 30 cm.
Is the Pacific redtail scad dangerous to humans?
No, the Pacific redtail 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 Pacific redtail scad edible?
Yes, the Pacific redtail 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 Decapterus
More from the family Carangidae
Want the complete picture on the Pacific redtail scad?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Pacific redtail scad is one of 12,519 species in the app.