Finny Scad, Megalaspis cordyla (Linnaeus, 1758)

Scientific name: Megalaspis cordyla
Alternative name/s:
Finletted Mackerel Scad, Hardtail Scad, Torpedo Scad
Finny Scad, Megalaspis cordyla Click to enlarge image
A 50 cm long Finny Scad caught on hook and line near Gove, Northern Territory, 9 October 1998. Image: Joe Smith
© Joe Smith

Fast Facts

  • Classification
    Genus
    Megalaspis
    Species
    cordyla
    Family
    Carangidae
    Order
    Perciformes
    Class
    Actinopterygii
    Subphylum
    Vertebrata
    Phylum
    Chordata
    Kingdom
    Animalia
  • Size Range
    The species grows to 80 cm in length.

Introduction

The Finny Scad can be recognised by the long pectoral fin, by the prominent scutes and large black spot on the top of the operculum (gill cover). It is widely distributed in the Indo-Pacific.

Identification

The Finny Scad is a streamlined, countershaded fish which resembles other fishes in the Family Carangidae (trevallies, scads etc). The Finny Scad can be recognised by the long pectoral fin, by the prominent scutes (51-59) on the straight part of the lateral line on the side of the body, by the large black spot on the top of the operculum (gill cover) by the dorsal (7-9) and anal (8-10) finlets, and by the adipose eyelid which covers the pupil except a narrow vertical slit over the pupil.

Distribution

The Finny Scad has a wide distribution in the Indo-Pacific.

The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Source: Atlas of Living Australia.

References

  1. Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Edition 2. Crawford House Publishing. Pp. 557.