In the southern region of Florida, the bigeye scad (Selar crumenophthalmus) holds significant popularity as a bait fish. It is commonly utilized by fishermen for kite fishing, targeting large game fish species like marlin. The market value of a dozen live bigeye scad is approximately $180, reflecting its high demand. Despite this popularity, there remains a limited understanding of bigeye scads in their natural habitat, particularly within Florida. Most studies on bigeye scad are conducted in the Pacific Ocean, with minimal research originating from the United States. This project, focusing on the unique aspects of bigeye scad in Florida, aims to enhance comprehension of their life-history, encompassing length-weight relationships (LWR), reproductive patterns, and dietary preferences to help facilitate future commercial aquaculture production.
In collaboration with local bait anglers and markets, a total collection of 350 bigeye scad was analyzed. Monthly collection varied from 10 to 95 individuals. The initial findings reveal a significant increase in LWR and gonadosomatic index (GSI) values from May to August. Conversely, during December and January, both LWR and GSI were notably low. Analysis of stomach contents has unveiled distinct dietary patterns throughout the year, with varying volumes of polychaetes, fishes, and euphausiids in different months. Otolith analysis is currently underway.
Better understanding of the life-history, including age-growth, reproduction, and diet of Atlantic Ocean bigeye scad is crucial in making bigeye scad aquaculture more viable. Aquaculture of bigeye scads holds the potential to mitigate the overharvesting of wild populations, stabilize their numbers, and sustain business operations.