Fin's Fish Guide
The Atlantic horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus) is a saltwater fish of the family Carangidae that grows up to 70 cm.
Eastern Atlantic from Norway and the North Sea to West Africa, and the Mediterranean Sea.
Description
The Atlantic horse mackerel is a slender, torpedo-shaped schooling fish of the family Carangidae reaching about 70 cm but usually around 20 cm. The silvery-grey body has a blue-green back, a dark blotch on the gill cover and, as a hallmark, a row of large keeled bony scutes along the strongly curved lateral line. The species lives in the eastern Atlantic, the North Sea and the Mediterranean, from the coast to deep water, and forms large schools that rise at night to hunt small fish, crustaceans and squid. It is an important commercial fish; due to heavy fishing the species is assessed as Vulnerable (VU).
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. A row of large, keeled bony plates (scutes) along the strongly curved lateral line and a dark blotch on the operculum.
Where does the Atlantic horse mackerel live?
The Atlantic horse mackerel lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. Eastern Atlantic from Norway and the North Sea to West Africa, and the Mediterranean Sea.
How big does the Atlantic horse mackerel get?
The Atlantic horse mackerel grows to a maximum of about 70 cm. On average the species is around 22 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
Easily confused with
These species look like the Atlantic horse mackerel and live in the same waters.
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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.