Fin's Fish Guide
The Cape horse mackerel (Trachurus capensis) is a saltwater fish of the family Carangidae that grows up to 60 cm.
Africa: Angola, Cameroon, Congo, Congo Dem Rp, Benin, Eq Guinea and others
Description
The Cape horse mackerel is a horse mackerel or scad (Carangidae) from coastal and open water of the southeast Atlantic, off South Africa and Namibia. The species grows to about 60 cm and has a slender, streamlined, silvery body with a row of hardened keeled scutes along the lateral line and large eyes. As a fast, schooling fish it swims in large groups and hunts small zooplankton, shrimp and small fish. It is an important commercial food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Cape horse mackerel?
The Cape horse mackerel has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.
Where does the Cape horse mackerel live?
The Cape horse mackerel lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. Africa: Angola, Cameroon, Congo, Congo Dem Rp, Benin, Eq Guinea and others
How big does the Cape horse mackerel get?
The Cape horse mackerel grows to a maximum of about 60 cm. On average the species is around 30 cm.
Is the Cape horse mackerel dangerous to humans?
No, the Cape horse mackerel is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Cape horse mackerel edible?
Yes, the Cape horse mackerel is a highly prized food fish.
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 Cape horse mackerel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Cape horse mackerel is one of 12,519 species in the app.