Round scad

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[[File:Decapterus punctatus Gulf of Mexico.jpg| D. punctatus collected in the Gulf of Mexico.

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Similar specimen collected near Santos, Brazil

Round scad (Decapterus punctatus), also known as the Carite, is a species of marine fish in the family Carangidae, which includes jacks, pompanos, jack mackerels, and scads. It is found in the Atlantic Ocean, ranging from the United States to Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. The round scad is a pelagic fish, meaning it lives in the open water, away from the bottom of the ocean.

Description

The round scad is a small to medium-sized fish, typically reaching lengths of 15-30 cm, but can grow up to 40 cm in some cases. It has a slender, elongated body, with a series of small, round spots running along its sides, from which it derives its common name. The dorsal and anal fins are almost identical in size and shape, which helps in distinguishing it from similar species. Its coloration is generally bluish-green on the back, transitioning to silver on the sides and belly.

Habitat and Distribution

The round scad inhabits tropical and subtropical waters of the western Atlantic Ocean. It prefers offshore waters but can also be found in coastal areas, especially around reefs and islands. It is a schooling fish, often forming large aggregations in midwater or near the surface.

Diet

The diet of the round scad primarily consists of small fish, zooplankton, and crustaceans. As a fast swimmer, it hunts in groups, using its speed and agility to catch prey.

Economic Importance

Round scad is of significant economic importance in many parts of its range. It is a popular target for both commercial and recreational fisheries due to its abundance and taste. The fish is marketed fresh, frozen, salted, or smoked and is also used as bait in the tuna fishery.

Conservation Status

Currently, there is no specific conservation status for the round scad. However, like many fish species, it faces threats from overfishing and habitat destruction. Monitoring and management of round scad populations are necessary to ensure their sustainability.

See Also

• Fisheries management
• Marine conservation
• Pelagic fish

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