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Indian Scad

Indian Scad

Decapterus Russelli

Quick Facts

Scientific name Decapterus Russelli

Other names Mackerel Scad, Northern Mackerel Scad, Russell's Mackerel Scad

Size Up to 45 cm (17.71 in)

Weight Up to .11 kg (.24 lb)

Distribution

Habitat & AU Distribution Coastal & offshore areas forming large schools in deep water

Depth Range 10 - 100 m (330 ft)

Interesting Info

The Indian Scad is a slim, fast schooling fish with a shiny silver body, bluish-green back, and a golden-yellow stripe down its side.
It can grow up to about 45 cm (18 in) long, though most fish are much smaller, commonly around 25–30 cm (10–12 in).
The maximum recorded weight is about 110 g, making it a lightweight compared to other trevallies and jacks.
In Australia, it occurs mainly along the tropical north, including waters off Western Australia, the Northern Territory, and Queensland, especially in the Arafura Sea.
Globally it ranges widely across the Indo–West Pacific, from East Africa and the Red Sea to India, Southeast Asia, the Philippines, and Papua New Guinea, and it even extends into the Mediterranean through the Suez Canal.
A black spot on the gill cover helps tell Indian Scad apart from other scad species.
They school in huge numbers in coastal waters, flashing silver as they dart and turn together.
They feed on tiny plankton, small crustaceans, and fish larvae, filtering prey from the water as they swim.
Spawning happens offshore, with eggs and larvae drifting in the plankton before juveniles move closer to shore.
Most Indian Scad grow quickly but live only 2–3 years.
They are an important food source for tuna, mackerel, seabirds, and dolphins.
Divers and snorkellers may spot shimmering schools racing along reef edges or in coastal bays.

Species Interaction

Recreational & Commercial Fishing, Snorkelling & Diving

Indian Scad are important to small-scale commercial fisheries across South and Southeast Asia, where they are caught in nets and sold fresh, dried, or salted. In Australia, they appear in low numbers and are mostly bycatch. Recreational anglers rarely target them, but they can be taken on light tackle or used as bait for larger predators. Divers and snorkellers may see their silvery schools sweeping past in tropical shallows.

Scientific Classification

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Actinopterygii

Order: Carangiformes

Family: Carangidae

Genus: Decapterus

Species: Decapterus russelli

Conservation Status

The Indian Scad is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. It remains widespread and abundant, but in Southeast Asia heavy fishing pressure means local populations require monitoring and good fishery management.

Fish Taste Quality

Indian Scad are widely eaten in tropical countries. The flesh is soft, mildly oily, and usually cooked fresh, dried, or salted. While not considered a premium fish, it is valued as an affordable, everyday staple.

Taste Rating: 2.5/5