The kà Âheru (Decapterus koheru), also known as the scad, is a ray-finned fish of the genus Decapterus, part of the family Carangidae. It is endemic to New Zealand where it occurs from ManawatÃÂwhi / Three Kings Islands to southern North Island. This is a schooling, pelagic species of coastal waters where it is found within shallow bays, harbours, estuaries and near rocky reefs and offshore islands at depths of between . Juveniles prefer rocky inshore areas, while adults are known to form dense schools in offshore waters. The maximum fork length is . They live to around 10 years and juveniles growth quickly, attaining a fork length of by the time they are three years old. They feed on zooplankton. It is a species of minor interest to commercial fisheries but is taken by recreational anglers.
Decapterus koheru is commonly known in English as the kà Âheru or scad. In the indigenous MÃÂori language, they are known as or , while half-grown kà Âheru are known as and kà Âheru fry being known as .