Arabian Scad

The Arabian scad (Trachurus indicus) is a species of jack mackerel belonging to the family Carangidae, indigenous to the Western 🌊 Indian Ocean.

Morphologically, the Arabian scad exhibits an elongated and slightly compressed body, with symmetrical upper and lower profiles. The species features a moderately large eye, mostly covered by a developed adipose eyelid, leaving a centrally located vertical oval for the pupil. The upper jaw is relatively broad, extending to beneath the anterior segment of the eye, and the oral cavity contains small teeth arranged in a single row per jaw. Distinguishing features include two separate dorsal fins, the first with 8 spines and the second with a single spine alongside 28 to 35 soft rays. The anal fin is preceded by 2 detached spines, followed by a single spine and 24 to 30 soft rays. The pectoral fins are at least as long as the head. The lateral line scales are enlarged and form scutes. A black spot can be identified on the upper margin of the operculum, with the dorsal region exhibiting dark dusky shades transitioning to nearly black or greenish-blue hues, contrasting with the silvery to white flanks and belly. The fins are uncolored, and the species can achieve a maximum total length of 35 centimeters (14 inches).

The Arabian scad inhabits the western 🌊 Indian Ocean, from the 🌊 Red Sea and 🇸🇴 Somalia across the 🌊 Persian Gulf to 🇵🇰 Pakistan, extending southward to the Saya de Malha Bank. Notably, its presence was first documented in the Mediterranean Sea in 2004, off the coast of 🇹🇷 Turkey.

Ecologically, the Arabian scad is a semi-pelagic, demersal fish that forms schools in nearshore waters at depths ranging from 20 to 250 meters (66 to 820 feet), although it predominantly occurs at depths of less than 100 meters (330 feet). The species is absent in environments where the water temperature falls below 20 °C (68 °F) or where the oxygen saturation level is under 30%. Sexual maturity is achieved within the first year at a length of 11 centimeters (4.3 inches), although in 🇴🇲 Omani waters, maturity occurs at approximately 16.3 centimeters (6.4 inches) in males and 17.4 centimeters (6.9 inches) in females. Spawning in the 🌊 Gulf of Oman spans from August to November, peaking in September and October. The species has a lifespan of at least seven years, with an estimated generation length of three and a half years. Its diet primarily comprises fish fry and small crustaceans.

In terms of fisheries, the Arabian scad is frequently caught as bycatch and is often discarded due to its low commercial value. It, alongside two related species, is specifically targeted by purse-seine fisheries within the Gulf of Suez, while subsistence and artisanal fisheries pursue it in 🇸🇴 Somalia.