Selar crumenophthalmus (Bloch, 1793)

Coloration

The bigeye scad (Selar crumenophthalmus (Bloch, 1793)) has blue-green or green coloration on its back and sides, and a white underside.

Maximum Length

It reaches a maximum length of around 15 inches (38 cm).

Diet

Its diet consists of small invertebrates, fish larvae, and zooplankton.

Behavior and Habitat

This species is a schooling fish that is primarily nocturnal, and it prefers clean, clear insular waters.

Commercial Harvest Volume

Bigeye scad are harvested commercially, with global annual catches totaling roughly 200 thousand tonnes.

Cultural Food Status

They are held in high regard as a food fish in Asian and Pacific cultures.

Maldivian Culinary Use

In Maldivian cuisine, the species is called mushimas, and it is commonly served in garudhiya or prepared fried.

Fishing Bait Use

In Florida and the Caribbean, bigeye scad are widely used as popular fishing bait.