Description:

Dorsal spines: 9 (8+1); Dorsal rays: 28-31; Anal spines: 3 (2+1); Anal rays: 25-28.

Body elongate, moderately slender and slightly compressed. Eye moderate, with adipose eyelid well developed, completely covering eye except for a vertical slit centred on 
pupil. Scales on top of head do not extend forward to beyond centre of pupil. Membrane at symphysis of upper jaw dusky or transparent. Both jaws with an irregular row of 
minute teeth anteriorly and a single series posteriorly. Lateral line with a low regular arch, with junction of curved and straight parts below second dorsal fin between 
11th to 13th soft rays; scales in curved part of lateral line 42 to 62; scutes in curved part 0 to 4; straight part with 0 to 4 scales, followed by 30 to 40 scutes. First 
and second dorsal fin widely separate. Terminal dorsal and anal soft rays each consisting of a widely detached finlet. Sub-falcate pectoral fin falls short of to slightly 
beyond a vertical line from second dorsal fin origin.

Colour. Bluish-green above, silvery below. Small black blotch on margin of opercle near upper edge. Caudal fin hyaline to dusky brown. Second dorsal fin hyaline basally, 
light dusky distally. Other fins mostly hyaline, except pelvic fins of adult males which are slightly dark.
 

Maturity: Lm 16.1cm TL. Range 14-24.5cm TL. Max Length: 45cm TL, commonly to 25cm TL.
 

Benthopelagic coastal species (depth 40-275m). It forms large schools in deep water, and is occasionally found inshore in sheltered bays in small to large groups. Feed 
mainly on smaller planktonic invertebrates.
 

This species is not protected or subject to fishery regulations. It is caught in net fisheries and is on occasion abundant. 

Collen, B. et al. (2010). Decapterus russelli (errata version 2017). The IUCN Red List 2010: https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2010-4.RLTS.T155043A4711571.en. (29/05/20).
Fischer, W. & G. Bianchi (eds), (1984).  FAO species identification sheets for fishery purposes. Western Indian Ocean; (Fishing Area 51). Prepared and printed with the 
support of the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA). Rome, Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations, vols 1-6.
Froese, R. & D. Pauly. Eds. (2020). FishBase. https://www.fishbase.se/summary/374 (29/05/20).

Nevill, J.E.G. (2020). Decapterus russelli, Indian scad. Seychelles Seatizens. www.seatizens.sc. https://seatizens.sc/species/decapterus-russelli-ruppell-1830/ (edited 26/06/22).