Decapterus tabl Berry, 1968
Roughear scad
Decapterus tabl
photo by Trevor, M.

Family:  Carangidae (Jacks and pompanos), subfamily: Caranginae
Max. size:  50 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 560.0 g
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range 7 - 550 m
Distribution:  Pacific Ocean: Japan, Indonesia (Ref. 3197), Australia and the Hawaiian Islands Western Atlantic: Canada (Ref. 5951) to North Carolina, USA to Venezuela (Ref. 7251). Also found in Brazil (Ref. 47377) and in Argentina (Ref. 2806). Eastern Atlantic: St. Helena Island (Ref. 7097). Indian Ocean: off Kenya (Ref. 3287) to off East London, South Africa (Ref. 11228).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 9-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 30-34; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 24-26; Vertebrae: 24-24. This species is distinguished by the following: posterodorsal margin of opercular membrane minutely serrated in adults; oral valve (membrane) at symphysis of upper jaw dusky or transparent; posterior end of upper jaw straight above, slightly concave and not strongly slanted anteroventrally; shoulder girdle (cleithrum) margin with 2 small papillae, the lower papilla larger; terminal dorsal- and anal-fin rays each consisting of a widely detached finlet; lateral line scales, in curved part 61-73, no scutes and straight part 4-12, followed by 30-40 scutes; total scales and scutes in lateral line (excluding scales on caudal fin) 103-118. Colour in life metallic blue to greenish above, silvery below; small black blotch on margin of opercle near upper edge; caudal fin bright red and tips of soft dorsal-fin rays tinged with red (Ref. 9894, 11228).
Biology:  Adults occur in mid-water or near the bottom; also near the surface (Ref. 5217). They feed on smaller planktonic invertebrates, primarily copepods. Maximum depth recorded from Ref. 57551. Marketed fresh (Ref. 5217).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 20 August 2012 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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