Yellowstripe Scad

Selaroides leptolepis

The Yellowstripe Scad is a small pelagic fish commonly found in the tropical waters of the Indo-West Pacific region. It can be identified by its metallic blue to blue-green coloration on the upper body, which transitions to a silvery white below, and a distinctive broad yellow stripe running from the eye to the tail. This species is typically seen at lengths less than 15 cm, although it can grow up to 22 cm. It is often confused with scads from the genus Selar, but can be differentiated by its smaller eye and unique dentition, with the upper jaw lacking teeth. Yellowstripe Scads inhabit inshore waters, forming large demersal schools over soft substrates. They are found at depths ranging from 1 to 50 meters, with most occurrences shallower than 40 meters. This species is known to occasionally move into freshwater zones, such as the tidal areas of the Mekong Delta. Their diet consists mainly of crustaceans like ostracods and gastropods, as well as small fish and other planktonic prey. Breeding occurs at a size range of 8 to 13 cm, with spawning peaks observed in India from January to April and July to October. Divers may encounter these fish in large, active schools, often in shallow coastal waters. The Yellowstripe Scad is considered a species of Least Concern by the IUCN, reflecting its stable presence across its range.