The spelling of the word "decapterus" (pronounced [dɛkæptərəs]) is derived from its Greek roots of "deka" (meaning ten) and "pteron" (meaning wing). This word refers to a genus of fish commonly known as "round herrings" or "mackerel scads". The first part of the word, "deca", is spelled with a "c" instead of a "k" due to English transliteration rules from the Greek alphabet. The second part, "pterus", is spelled with a "p" instead of a "b" because it refers to a "wing" sound in Greek, which is pronounced as a "p" in English.
Decapterus is a genus of small marine fish belonging to the family Carangidae, commonly known as mackerel scads. The name Decapterus is derived from the Latin words "deca" meaning ten, and "pteryx" meaning fin, referring to the ten-rayed dorsal fin present on its back. These fish are widely distributed in many tropical and subtropical waters around the world.
The members of the Decapterus genus are typically characterized by their elongated, slender bodies, which are typically silver or golden in color. They have a slightly compressed shape and possess a series of dark spots along their lateral line. These fish are highly migratory, often forming large schools and undertaking long-distance movements around oceanic regions.
Decapterus species are mainly pelagic, inhabiting coastal areas near reefs, as well as in open waters. They are primarily carnivorous, feeding on smaller fish, crustaceans, and plankton. These scad species have economic importance in commercial fisheries, particularly in Asian countries, where they are caught for their meat, which is utilized for human consumption.
Due to their abundance and importance in the ecosystem, Decapterus species serve as prey for many larger predatory fish, such as tunas and billfish. They are also important indicators of the health and productivity of marine ecosystems. Additionally, some Decapterus species are popular among sport anglers, attracting fishing enthusiasts.
The word decapterus has its origins in the Greek language. It is a combination of two Greek words: deká meaning ten and ptéron meaning wing.