Round Scad

Round scad is a genus of marine fishes of jack family, Carangidae, commonly known as mackerel scads, round scads, or horse mackerel. They are found throughout the world. Round scad is a species of Pelagic fish that inhabits the Eastern Indian Ocean and the Western Central Pacific Ocean throughout most warm coastal waters. Its body slender, elongated, and somewhat circular in cross-section.

Adults are found in the sublittoral zone and may enter semi-enclosed sea areas. In Guam, it is encountered in large numbers around fish aggregating devices, buoys anchored offshore to attract pelagic game fishes.

Round Scad body elongate, fusiform, moderately compressed. Upper jaw reaching to just below front margin eye. Teeth in jaws in a single series, those of upper jaw confined to the anterior end of the jaw; vomerine teeth in a transverse strip; palatines toothed.  Pectoral fins falcate, tips reaching below the origin of the second dorsal fin.A single finlet behind dorsal and anal fins.  Lateral line slightly arched,  curved portion longer than straight portion;  Colour green to blue-green above, silvery-white below; dorsal, pectoral, and caudal fins pale yellow; anterior apex of 2nd dorsal fin withe; a black spot on edge of operculum; pupil black.

Inhabits coastal waters, normally down to 20 meters. In Guam, it is encountered in large numbers around fish aggregating devices, buoys anchored offshore to attract pelagic gamefishes. Feeds on pelagic and bottom-living animals. Round Scad caught mainly with purse seines and bottom trawls. Marketed mostly fresh and frozen; also dried-salted and used as fish bait.

Round scad is a small to moderate size fishes, with a taste and texture of flesh almost similar to that of mackerel. Round scad has high nutritional value, containing protein, lipid, minerals,s and various kinds of vitamins. It is popular as it is cheap and has good flavor.