Trachurus trachurus - Scad

The scad, also know as the horse mackerel, is not actually a member of the mackerel family. It is a shoaling fish and looks very much like a small mackerel without stripes. A black spot on the trailing edge of the gill cover, between the pectoral fin and the lateral line, is an identifying feature.

Scad rarely grow to more than 2 lb (0.4 kg) and are not usually taken for eating. The Welsh record is 2 lb 14 oz, and was caught off Llanelli in 1996.

Scad appear off the Welsh coast in spring and summer, often together with mackerel. The same fishing techniques - bait, spinner or flyfishing - can be used for both species.

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