page_title: Mackerel scad
section_title: Description
hierarchical_section_title: Mackerel scad / Description
caption_attribution_description: English: Decapterus macarellus (Cuvier, 1833)—mackerel scad. Underwater photo by W Toller.
context_page_description: The mackerel scad, or speedo, is a species of fish of the family, Carangidae. While mackerel scad can be considered gamefish, they are usually used as bait. However, they are popular eating fish in the Hawaiian islands, where they are called `opelu.
context_section_description: The largest mackerel scad recorded was 46 cm long. Their elongated bodies look somewhat circular when viewed head on. They are distinguishable by a small, detached fin, located between the dorsal and caudal fins. 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.
  The mackerel scad's fins are black metallic to blue-green and its belly is white. The edge of the operculum has a small, black spot, with no spots on the lateral line. Mackerel scad's caudal fins have been described as reddish  to yellow-green.
caption: Shoaling Mackerel scad near the Saba Bank.
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