---
title: Shortfin Scad (Decapterus macrosoma)
scientific_name: Decapterus macrosoma
common_name: Shortfin Scad
taxon: Jacks, Amberjacks, Pompanos
conservation_status: LC - Least Concern
published: 2024-11-11T20:09:28.165Z
updated: 2025-11-25T13:58:09.000Z
tags: Shortfin Scad, Decapterus macrosoma, Jacks, Amberjacks, Pompanos, Red Sea, Marine Life, Diving
url: https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/jacks-amberjacks-pompanos/shortfin-scad
---

# Shortfin Scad (*Decapterus macrosoma*)

**Taxon:** Jacks, Amberjacks, Pompanos (*Carangidae*)  
**Conservation Status:** LC - Least Concern  


The Shortfin Scad (Decapterus macrosoma) is a tropical marine species associated with reef environments, inhabiting depths ranging from 20 to 214 meters, and is most commonly found between 30 and 70 meters. The species can reach a maximum length of 35 cm, with a more common length of approximately 25 cm.

Characterized by a slender, elongated body with a somewhat circular cross-section, the Shortfin Scad exhibits several distinctive morphological features. The posterior end of its upper jaw is concave dorsally and possesses a rounded protrusion ventrally. The cleithrum, or shoulder girdle, is marked by two small papillae, with the lower papilla being more prominent. Both the dorsal and anal fins are followed by a distinct finlet. The body is metallic blue dorsally and silvery ventrally, with hyaline fins and a small black spot on the opercle. The Shortfin Scad is notably slender when compared to similar species.

Geographically, the Shortfin Scad is distributed across the Indo-Pacific region and the Southeast Atlantic, ranging from Knysna to Natal in South Africa, and extending to Australia. Its range includes the Persian Gulf, the Red Sea, and the Central Pacific Islands, stretching from South Korea to the Gulf of California and reaching as far as Peru, including the Galapagos Islands.

---

*Source: [Red Sea Creatures](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/jacks-amberjacks-pompanos/shortfin-scad)*
*Updated: November 25, 2025*