The mackerel scad (Decapterus macarellus), or speedo, is a species of fish of the family, Carangidae. While it can be considered gamefish, it is usually used as bait.[2] It is popular for consumption in Hawaiʻi, the Philippines and the U.A.E. In Hawaiʻi, mackerel scad are called ʻopelu.[3] In the Philippines they are called galunggong.[4]
Description
The largest mackerel scad recorded was 46 cm long.[5] Their elongated bodies look somewhat circular when viewed head on.[2] They are distinguishable by a small, detached fin, located between the dorsal and caudal fins.[6] Mackerel scad have 9 spines and 31–36 rays on their dorsal fins, while there are seven spines and 27–30 rays on their anal fins.[2]
The mackerel scad's fins are black metallic to blue-green and its belly is white.[2] The edge of the operculum has a small, black spot,[7] with no spots on the lateral line.[8] Mackerel scad's caudal fins have been described as reddish [8] to yellow-green.[7]
FAO areas where the mackerel scad is native include the north east and northwest Atlantic, the center east and west Atlantic, the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, the South east and west Atlantic, the eastern and western Indian, and the North west, center west, center east and south west Pacific.[2]
Mackerel scad usually live in subtropical seas at depths up to 400 m.[2] They prefer clear water, and are frequently found around islands.[15] Although mackerel scad have been found at the surface, they are usually caught at depths between 40 and 200 meters. They feed mainly on zooplankton.[16]
This species is significant for its use in preparing the Japanese snack Kusaya, a traditional product of the Izu Islands. Filipino students near Calasiao have also created a twist on the Lumpiang Shanghai dish by mixing shredded Mackerel scad and ginisang munggo. The two ingredients are combined with a mixture of minced onions, garlic, julienned carrots and papaya, thereafter placed inside spring roll wrappers and deep fried.[19] Additionally, the Davao City dish paksiw na takway is sometimes made with ground Mackerel scad. [20]
^Jiménez Prado, P. & P. Béarez, 2004. Peces Marinos del Ecuador continental. Tomo 2: Guía de Especies / Marine fishes of continental Ecuador. Volume 2: Species Guide. SIMBIOE/NAZCA/IFEA
^Cervigón, F. 1993 Los peces marinos de Venezuela. Volume 2. Fundación Científica Los Roques, Caracas, Venezuela. 497 p.
^ abSmith-Vaniz, W. F., J. C. Quéro and M. Desoutter, 1990. Carangidae. p. 729-755. In J. C. Quero, J. C. Hureau, C. Karrer, A. Post and L. Saldanha (eds.) Check-list of the fishes of the eastern tropical Atlantic (CLOFETA). JNICT, Lisbon; SEI, Paris; and UNESCO, Paris. Vol. 2.
^Smith-Vaniz, W.F., 1986. Carangidae. p. 815-844. In P. J. P. Whitehead, M.-L. Bauchot, J.-C. Hureau, J. Nielsen and E. Tortonese (eds.) Fishes of the north-eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean. UNESCO, Paris. vol. 2.
^Smith-Vaniz, W. F., 1984. Carangidae. In W. Fischer and G. Bianchi (eds.) FAO species identification sheets for fishery purposes. Western Indian Ocean fishing area 51. Vol. 1. [pag. var.]. FAO, Rome.
^Smith-Vaniz, W.F., 1995. Carangidae. Jureles, pámpanos, cojinúas, zapateros, cocineros, casabes, macarelas, chicharros, jorobados, medregales, pez pilota. p. 940-986. In W. Fischer, F. Krupp, W. Schneider, C. Sommer, K. E. Carpenter and V. Niem (eds.) Guia FAO para Identification de Especies para lo Fines de la Pesca. Pacifico Centro-Oriental. 3 Vols. FAO, Rome.
^Cervigón, F., R. Cipriani, W. Fischer, L. Garibaldi, M. Hendrickx, A. J. Lemus, R. Márquez, J. M. Poutiers, G. Robaina and B. Rodriguez, 1992. Fichas FAO de identificación de especies para los fines de la pesca. Guía de campo de las especies comerciales marinas y de aquas salobres de la costa septentrional de Sur América. FAO, Rome. 513 p. Preparado con el financiamento de la Comisión de Comunidades Europeas y de NORAD.
^Smith-Vaniz, W. F., 1995. Carangidae. Jureles, pàmpanos, cojinùas, zapateros, cocineros, casabes, macarelas, chicharros, jorobados, medregales, pez pilota. p. 940-986. In W. Fischer, F. Krupp, W. Schneider, C. Sommer, K.E. Carpenter and V. Niem (eds.) Guia FAO para Identification de Especies para lo Fines de la Pesca. Pacifico Centro-Oriental. 3 Vols. FAO, Rome.
^Randall, J.E. and V.E. Brock 1960 Observations on the ecology of Epinephelinae and lutjanid fishes of the Society Islands, with emphasis on food habits. Trans. Am. Fish. Soc. 89(1):9–16.
^Sudekum, A. E., J. D. Parrish, R. L. Radtke and S. Ralston, 1991