Fin's Fish Guide
The Round scad (Decapterus punctatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Carangidae that grows up to 30 cm.
Western Atlantic from the USA to Brazil, pelagic in coastal water above the continental shelf.
Description
The round scad is a slender, cigar-shaped jack of the family Carangidae reaching about 30 cm. The streamlined, silvery body with a blue-green back bears a row of small spots along the lateral line and, as in many jacks, a row of bony scutes near the tail base and a small separate finlet before the tail. The species lives pelagically in coastal water above the continental shelf along the western Atlantic coast from the USA to Brazil. In fast, dense schools it hunts zooplankton, small crustaceans and small fish. Through its great numbers it is an important prey fish for larger predators and seabirds and is much used as bait.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Round scad?
The Round scad has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Slender, cigar-shaped scad with a row of small spots along the lateral line, bony scutes near the tail and a small separate finlet before the tail.
Where does the Round scad live?
The Round scad lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. Western Atlantic from the USA to Brazil, pelagic in coastal water above the continental shelf.
How big does the Round scad get?
The Round scad grows to a maximum of about 30 cm. On average the species is around 18 cm.
Is the Round scad dangerous to humans?
No, the Round scad is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Round scad edible?
Yes, the Round scad is commonly eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Round 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 Round scad?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Round scad is one of 12,519 species in the app.