roundscad

Roundscad is a common name for several species of fish belonging to the genus Decapterus, which is part of the jack family Carangidae. These are small, silvery fish found in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide. They are characterized by their streamlined bodies and a series of small finlets behind their dorsal and anal fins. Roundscads are schooling fish, often found in large numbers in coastal areas, estuaries, and over coral reefs.

These fish are an important part of the marine food web, feeding on small crustaceans, plankton, and other small invertebrates. They, in turn, are prey for larger predatory fish, marine mammals, and seabirds. Roundscad are commercially important in many regions, particularly in Asia, where they are harvested for food. They are often consumed fresh, dried, or processed into fishmeal. Their small size and schooling behavior make them relatively easy to catch using various fishing methods, including purse seines and gillnets. While not typically targeted by recreational anglers, they can be caught incidentally or as bait for larger fish. Their abundance and widespread distribution make them a significant resource in many coastal fisheries.