Herring Scad

A herring-like scad that travels in large schools in open coastal waters. Slender silver body with a dark spot at the upper gill margin. Primarily used as baitfish but also consumed as a food fish. Important in the UAE artisanal fishery.

Species Stats

Diet

Zooplankton, small fish

Habitat

Open coastal and offshore waters

Local Name (Arabic)

قملة

Fun Facts

• 1

  Forms enormous schools that can number in the millions of individuals.

• 2

  An important prey species supporting the entire UAE pelagic food chain.

• 3

  UAE fishers use cast nets to capture large quantities for use as live bait.

Found In