Oxeye Scad

Selar boops

The Oxeye Scad is a ray-finned fish recognized for its notably large eyes, which account for about a third of its head size. This characteristic is the origin of its name, combining the Greek terms for 'ox' and 'eye'. Typically reaching lengths of around 22 centimeters, the Oxeye Scad can grow up to 25 centimeters. Its body is silvery blue with a prominent horizontal yellow stripe along the middle, and it features a fusiform, compressed body shape with 9 dorsal spines and 23 to 25 soft dorsal rays. This species is found throughout the Indo-Pacific, including regions from Sri Lanka and eastern India to Southeast Asia and northern Australia, as well as in the Pacific Ocean around various islands and Central America. The Oxeye Scad is often associated with seagrass beds and soft substrates but can also be seen over coral and rocky reefs. It lives at depths ranging from 35 to 500 meters, with many sightings occurring at shallower depths. Oxeye Scads form large schools during the day, dispersing at night to feed on crabs, shrimps, and small fishes. Their eggs are pelagic, meaning they float freely in the water. This species holds commercial value in certain areas, particularly in Indonesia, where it is captured using various fishing techniques. The IUCN lists the Oxeye Scad as Least Concern.