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Species · Lookalikes

Round ScadorBlue Runner

Two fish anglers mix up. Here is what separates them, and what each one’s rules are in your state.

Studio photograph of a Round Scad (Decapterus punctatus), side view, on a white background
Round ScadDecapterus punctatus
Studio photograph of a Blue Runner (Caranx crysos), side view, on a white background
Blue RunnerCaranx crysos

Rules for both fish from 0 state rulebooks, checked Sep 22, 2026. Every rule names its source and the day it was last checked; the official rulebook is the final word.

How to tell them apart

Round Scad

Slim cigar of a baitfish with a detached finlet behind both dorsal and anal fins and scutes near the tail.

Blue Runner

Compact jack, faint blue sheen, black tail-base spot.

Blue runner, next to round scad: deeper body, no detached finlet.

Side by side

Round ScadBlue Runner
Scientific nameDecapterus punctatusCaranx crysos
Also calledCigar minnow—
WatersNearshoreNearshore
Heaviest state record—11 lb 2.4 oz · Alabama (1997)
On the tablePremium bait; edible fried but few bother.Oily; great bait, decent smoked.
Rules of its own in0 states0 states

Rules for

Every state, both fish

StateRound Scad: size · bag · seasonBlue Runner: size · bag · season

In the app

Point the camera at the fish and Chum names it before you take the picture, round scad or blue runner, with the right rules for the water you’re standing in. No signal needed.

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Questions anglers ask

How do you tell round scad from blue runner?

Round Scad: Slim cigar of a baitfish with a detached finlet behind both dorsal and anal fins and scutes near the tail. Blue Runner: Compact jack, faint blue sheen, black tail-base spot. Blue runner, next to round scad: deeper body, no detached finlet.

Which is better to eat, round scad or blue runner?

Round Scad: Premium bait; edible fried but few bother. Blue Runner: Oily; great bait, decent smoked.