How to Identify Indian Scad

To identify Indian Scad (Decapterus russelli), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

torpedo

Coloration

Dorsal side metallic blue to blue-green, fading to silvery white on the flanks and belly. A distinct black spot is usually present on the upper operculum near the shoulder.

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Elongated, fusiform body., Adipose eyelid well developed, covering most of eye except for a vertical slit., Lateral line with a distinct anterior arch, becoming straight posteriorly., Scutes present along the straight posterior part of the lateral line, typically 30-40., A detached finlet posterior to the dorsal and anal fins.

Dorsal fin

Two dorsal fins; the first with 8 spines, the second with 1 spine and 29-33 soft rays, followed by a single detached finlet.

Tail fin

Deeply forked caudal fin.

Pectoral fin

Short pectoral fins, typically 1.5-1.8 times in head length.

Distinctive fins

Anal fin with 2 detached spines anteriorly, followed by 1 spine and 24-27 soft rays, and a single detached finlet.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Body Shape

   Look for a sleek, torpedo-shaped body, characteristic of fast-swimming pelagic fish.

2. 2

   Coloration

   Note the metallic blue-green dorsal side and silvery belly, with a prominent black spot on the operculum.

3. 3

   Finlets

   The presence of a single detached finlet behind both the dorsal and anal fins is a key characteristic of Decapterus species.

4. 4

   Pectoral Fin Length

   The relatively short pectoral fin, not reaching the origin of the second dorsal fin, helps distinguish it from some other Decapterus species.

5. 5

   Lateral Line Scutes

   Count the number of scutes (hard, bony plates) along the straight posterior part of the lateral line; D. russelli typically has 30-40.

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