Fin's Fish Guide
The Atlantic horse mackerel (Trachurus japonicus) is a saltwater fish of the family Carangidae that grows up to 50 cm.
Description
The Japanese jack mackerel is a jack (Carangidae) from the northwestern Pacific. The species grows to about 40 cm and has a slender, streamlined, silvery body with a row of reinforced, keeled scales (scutes) along the lateral line. Adults live pelagically in continental coastal waters and form schools; juveniles associate with drifting seaweed. It feeds on zooplankton, small fishes and crustaceans. It is one of the most important commercial fishery species of East Asia. Owing to fishing it is considered near threatened. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Atlantic horse mackerel?
The Atlantic horse mackerel has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Reinforced scutes along the lateral line; important East Asian commercial schooling fish, near threatened.
Where does the Atlantic horse mackerel live?
The Atlantic horse mackerel lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. Northwest Pacific; continental coastal waters.
How big does the Atlantic horse mackerel get?
The Atlantic horse mackerel grows to a maximum of about 50 cm. On average the species is around 35 cm.
Is the Atlantic horse mackerel dangerous to humans?
No, the Atlantic horse mackerel is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Atlantic horse mackerel edible?
Yes, the Atlantic horse mackerel is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Trachurus
More from the family Carangidae
Want the complete picture on the Atlantic horse mackerel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Atlantic horse mackerel is one of 12,519 species in the app.