Bigeye Scad

The bigeye scad, or big-eyed scad (Selar crumenophthalmus), is an oceanic fish species prevalent in tropical regions worldwide. It is known by various common names, including purse-eyed scad, goggle-eyed scad, akule, chicharro, charrito ojón, jacks, matang baka, mushimas, and coulirou. This species is commercially significant, serving both as a food source and as bait.

Characterized by its blue-green or green dorsal and lateral coloring and a white ventral side, the bigeye scad typically reaches lengths of approximately 38 cm (15 inches). Mature bigeye scad prefer the clear oceanic waters surrounding islands but can also be found in occasional turbid waters. They are pelagic and travel in large schools comprising hundreds of thousands of individuals. Primarily nocturnal, these fish disperse at night to feed. When inshore, their diet includes small shrimp, benthic invertebrates, and forams, while offshore, they consume zooplankton and fish larvae.

The commercial fishing of bigeye scad yields approximately 200,000 tonnes annually on a global scale. The species holds substantial culinary value in Asian and Pacific cultures. In Maldivian cuisine, it is referred to as mushimas and is commonly prepared in dishes such as garudhiya or fried. Additionally, it is favored as bait in regions such as Florida and the Caribbean.

Among the known parasites of the bigeye scad is the philometrid nematode Philometra selaris, which resides within the ovaries of female specimens.

Adults prefer clear oceanic waters around islands to neritic waters. Occasionally in turbid waters. Pelagic. Individuals travel in compact groups of hundreds of thousands of fish. Mainly nocturnal in habit, they disperse at night to feed on small shrimps, benthic invertebrates, and forams when inshore, and zooplankton and fish larvae when offshore.