The Herring Scad, scientifically known as Alepes vari, is a species of marine fish belonging to the jack family Carangidae. It is a relatively small to medium-sized fish, commonly found in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide. This species is often targeted by commercial fisheries and plays an important role in the marine ecosystem.
Description & Characteristics
The Herring Scad is characterized by its elongated, fusiform body with a slightly compressed profile. Its head is pointed, with a large mouth and prominent lower jaw. The fish has a single dorsal fin that is divided into two distinct parts: a spiny anterior section and a soft posterior section. The anal fin is similarly divided, and the pectoral fins are relatively long and pointed. This species is usually silvery-grey in color, with darker stripes running along its sides. The Herring Scad can reach a maximum size of 61.0 cm, but individuals typically range from 20 to 40 cm in length.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Herring Scad is a pelagic fish, meaning it lives in the open ocean, typically inhabiting waters with a depth range of 0.0 to 10.0 meters. It is commonly found in coastal waters, estuaries, and bays, often congregating in large schools. The species is widely distributed throughout the Indo-Pacific region, extending from the eastern coast of Africa to the western coast of the Americas. It prefers waters with temperatures ranging from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. The Herring Scad is a common inhabitant of the neritic zone, the marine zone extending from the shoreline to the edge of the continental shelf.
Taxonomy
The species Alepes vari belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Carangiformes, and Family: Carangidae. The Carangidae family, commonly known as the jack family, is a large and diverse group of fish that includes a wide variety of species, such as jacks, scads, and amberjacks. The Carangiformes order, encompassing the jack family, is a large and diverse group of fish with diverse body shapes, feeding habits, and ecological roles.
Feeding
The Herring Scad is an opportunistic carnivore, feeding primarily on small fish, shrimps, and zooplankton. It is known to be a voracious predator, often chasing its prey in large schools. Its diet can vary depending on the availability of food in its habitat. This species plays a significant role in the marine food web, contributing to the balance of the ecosystem.
Image References