Sand Lance

Sand Lance

Ammodytes americanus

Size: to 8"

Habitat: inshore waters, from surface to bottom

Notes: The Sand Lance is an important link in the marine food chain. It is a major part of the diet of many commercially important fishes, as well as whales and seals. Sand Lances form huge schools to feed on phytoplankton and have the ability to dive into the bottom sediments to escape predators. I have never seen a live one, but they are common in the bellies of other fishes that you may catch.

Sand Lance
Schooling Sand Lances
Sand Lance

Mackerel Scad

Decapterus macarellus

Size: to 12"

Habitat: coastal waters

Notes: Scads are diminutive Jacks. Late in the season huge schools of 3-4" babies may be found in the rivers and swarming around the inshore reefs. Note the detached rays on the dorsal and anal fins near the tail, forming a finlet like a mackerel. They are mainly harvested for bait but are also sometimes eaten dried or salted.