Yellowtail Scad

The yellowtail scad, scientifically known as Atule mate, is a prevalent species within the Carangidae family, noted for its significance to regional fisheries. Commonly referred to as the northern yellowtail scad, one-finlet scad, deep trevally, or omaka, this species is the sole representative of the monotypic genus Atule. It is distinguished by notable morphological features such as a well-developed adipose eyelid and finlet-like appendages on the dorsal and anal fins.

Geographically, the yellowtail scad is distributed across the Indo-Pacific region, from East Africa to Hawaii (🇺🇸 United States), extending north to 🇯🇵 Japan and south to 🇦🇺 Australia. Its preferred habitats include coastal environments such as bays and coral reefs, where it predominantly preys on smaller piscivorous species and crustaceans. The species' reproductive behaviors have been extensively researched in Hawaiian waters, where they enter bays to spawn, releasing up to 161,000 eggs per individual during the breeding season from March to October.

Morphologically, the yellowtail scad bears resemblance to other 'scad' species in the Decapterus and Trachurus genera, featuring a moderately compressed, oval body. The species is characterized by a dual dorsal fin configuration and specific scale patterns along its lateral line. A distinguishing feature is its adipose eyelid, fully developed in specimens exceeding 10 cm in length. Mature individuals measure up to 30 cm, though they are commonly found at smaller sizes around 20 cm.

The pigmentation of the yellowtail scad transitions from a bright olive green dorsally to a silvery white ventrally, accentuated by faint vertical bars and a prominent black spot near the operculum. The fin coloration varies, with caudal and dorsal fins displaying a greenish-yellow hue, while pelvic fins are white and remaining fins are hyaline.

Ecologically, the yellowtail scad is a pelagic predator exhibiting dietary shifts from crustaceans in juveniles to predominantly fish in adults. It schools in shallow coastal waters, often associated with floating structures, both natural and artificial, to which juveniles are particularly sensitive.

In fisheries, the yellowtail scad is a significant contributor to pelagic catches across its range. Although detailed global catch data are unavailable, FAO statistics document a notable catch in 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia, and the species accounts for a significant portion of pelagic landings in Southeast Asian regions like 🇲🇾 Malaysia. Fishing practices include methods such as beach seines, gill netting, and jigging. The yellowtail scad is esteemed as a culinary resource, prepared through boiling, steaming, frying, and preservation techniques such as drying and salting.

Overall, the yellowtail scad represents both a biological and economic asset within tropical marine ecosystems, warranting continued study and sustainable management to maintain its ecological role and fisheries value.