Distinguishing Characteristics |
Body elongate, moderately compressed; color dusky bluish green above, white below; lateral line with distinct downward curve below 2nd dorsal fin; scales on anterior lateral line enlarged and scute-like though not raised; scales on posterior lateral line forms raised scutes; anterior rays on soft dorsal and anal fins longer than posterior rays; last ray on dorsal and anal fins connected to rest of fin by membrane but spaced further apart than other rays; eye large; dark spot on shoulder; dark spot above eye; depression at upper end of gill chamber under gill plate, but no fleshy tabs on margins |
Similar Species |
Bigeye scad has scutes only on the posterior lateral line (anterior scales normal) and has 2 flesh tabs on the inside of the gill chamber under the gill plate (no tabs in the rough scad); the round scad has a nearly round body (in cross section) and the last dorsal and anal fin rays are detached from rest of fins, also has no enlarged scales on anterior lateral line. |
Habitat |
Gulf |
Maximum Size |
40 cm (15 1/2 in), common to 30 cm (12 in) |
Fin Element Counts |
D.VIII+I,28-32; A. II+I,25-27 (explain) |
Other Common Names |
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Previous Scientific Names |
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Comments |
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State size/bag limits |
None; Check for state record. |