How to Identify Yellowtail Scad

To identify Yellowtail Scad (Atule mate), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

torpedo

Coloration

Dorsal side is typically bluish-green to olive-green, fading to silvery-white on the ventral side. A prominent black spot is present on the upper margin of the operculum. The caudal fin is distinctly yellow, and other fins may have yellowish tints.

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Prominent black spot on the upper operculum (gill cover), Distinctly yellow caudal fin, Lateral line with a long anterior arch and a straight posterior section, with scutes (bony plates) present along the straight part, Adipose eyelid well developed, covering most of the eye except for a central slit

Dorsal fin

Two dorsal fins; the first with 8 spines, the second with 1 spine and 23-25 soft rays, followed by a single detached finlet.

Tail fin

Deeply forked, distinctly yellow.

Pectoral fin

Long and falcate (sickle-shaped), extending beyond the origin of the second dorsal fin.

Distinctive fins

Anal fin with 2 detached spines followed by 1 spine and 19-21 soft rays, also followed by a single detached finlet, mirroring the second dorsal fin.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Opercular Spot

   Look for the distinct black spot on the upper part of the gill cover. This is a key identifier.

2. 2

   Caudal Fin Color

   The bright yellow caudal (tail) fin is a very reliable characteristic for this species.

3. 3

   Finlets

   The presence of a single detached finlet behind both the second dorsal and anal fins is diagnostic.

4. 4

   Lateral Line Scutes

   Examine the posterior straight section of the lateral line for the presence of scutes (bony plates), which are characteristic of carangids.

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