Mackerel Scad

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.

Mackerel Scad
Herb Segars Photography

Summer Flounder

Paralichthys dentatus

to 37 " and 20 lbs.
usually much smaller

Profile by
Paul G. Scarlett
Principal Fisheries Biologist
Bureau of Marine Fisheries

Range:
Estuarine and coastal waters from Nova Scotia to Florida. Most abundant between Cape Cod, Massachusetts and Cape Fear, North Carolina.

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