Bigeye Scad
Selar crumenophthalmus · SEE-lar kroo-men-off-THAL-mus
nocturnalschoolsLeast Concern
EdibleFriendly
Superpower
Huge night-vision eyes let it feed in near-darkness when predators can't see it.
At a glance
- Size
- typically 20 cm, up to 30 cm
- Lifespan
- 4–6 years
- Depth
- 0–170 m
Habitat
Coastal waters, gathering over reefs by day and dispersing to feed at night.
Diet
Plankton and small invertebrates.
Can I eat it?
Yes — edible · tastiness 6/10.
How to cook: Fried or dried — the big-eyed 'matangbaka'.
Fun facts
- Matangbaka means 'cow's eyes' in Filipino, for its big round eyes.
- The large eyes help it feed at night.
- By day it shelters in tight schools over reefs.