How to Identify Yellowstripe scad

To identify Yellowstripe scad (Selaroides leptolepis), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

compressed

Coloration

Silvery-white to yellowish-silver on the sides and belly, with a darker bluish-green to greenish-grey dorsal surface. A prominent, bright yellow stripe runs horizontally from the upper margin of the eye to the caudal peduncle. Fins are hyaline to yellowish.

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Bright yellow lateral stripe, Large, distinct black spot on the upper margin of the operculum (gill cover), Absence of finlets behind the dorsal and anal fins, Adipose eyelid well developed, covering most of eye except for a vertical slit

Dorsal fin

Two dorsal fins; the first with 8 spines, the second with 1 spine and 24-26 soft rays. The first dorsal fin is relatively short.

Tail fin

Deeply forked caudal fin.

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 20-22 soft rays. Lateral line with a short anterior arch and a long straight posterior section, entirely covered with scutes (30-40 scutes).

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Yellow Stripe

   The most definitive feature is the bright yellow stripe running along the side of the body, from the eye to the tail base.

2. 2

   Opercular Spot

   A distinct, large black spot is always present on the upper part of the gill cover (operculum).

3. 3

   Lateral Line Scutes

   The entire straight part of the lateral line is covered with scutes, which are bony plates. Count the scutes (30-40) for confirmation.

4. 4

   Absence of Finlets

   Unlike some other scads, Selaroides leptolepis lacks finlets behind the dorsal and anal fins.

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