Big Eye Scad

Generally found near the coast or in shallow waters (Ref. 9283). May also be encountered over shallow reefs but may reach depths of 170 m. Prefers clean, clear insular waters (Ref. 9626) but occasionally in turbid waters (Ref. 9283). Mainly nocturnal, it feeds on small shrimp, benthic invertebrates, forams when inshore, and zooplankton and fish larvae when offshore. Travels in compact groups of hundreds of thousands of fish. Juveniles up to 13 cm caught with light tackle (Ref. 4887). Marketed fresh (Ref. 9626).

Feeds on small shrimps, benthic invertebrates, and forams when inshore, and zooplankton and fish larvae when offshore

Western Atlantic: Nova Scotia, Canada and Bermuda to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; throughout the Bahamas, Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea

nektonic

Prefers clear oceanic waters around islands to neritic waters.