Shortfin Scad

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.