Fin's Fish Guide
The Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Scombridae that grows up to 60 cm.
North Atlantic, including the Mediterranean Sea (approximately 75°N to 30°N).
Description
Atlantic mackerel is a slender, fast schooling fish of the family Scombridae reaching 60 cm. It has a streamlined body with a blue-green back, dark wavy bars and silvery-white, unmarked flanks. Two well-separated dorsal fins and a row of small finlets before the forked tail are characteristic. Mackerel live pelagically across the northern Atlantic, the North Sea and the Mediterranean, hunting zooplankton and small fish by day. The species migrates seasonally toward the coast to spawn, releasing pelagic eggs. A batch spawner and a strong swimmer, mackerel is a highly sought-after and commercially important food fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Atlantic mackerel?
The Atlantic mackerel has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly blue and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Blue-green back with dark wavy vertical bars and an unspotted belly; series of small fins (finlets) in front of the tail.
Where does the Atlantic mackerel live?
The Atlantic mackerel lives in brackish water and is mostly found around open water. North Atlantic, including the Mediterranean Sea (approximately 75°N to 30°N).
How big does the Atlantic mackerel get?
The Atlantic mackerel grows to a maximum of about 60 cm. On average the species is around 30 cm.
Is the Atlantic mackerel dangerous to humans?
No, the Atlantic mackerel is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Atlantic mackerel edible?
Yes, the Atlantic mackerel is a highly prized food fish.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Atlantic 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 Scomber
More from the family Scombridae
Want the complete picture on the Atlantic mackerel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Atlantic mackerel is one of 12,519 species in the app.