Fin's Fish Guide
The Chilean jack mackerel (Trachurus murphyi) is a saltwater fish of the family Carangidae that grows up to 70 cm.
South America: Argentina, Australia, Chile, Ecuador, Galapagos Is., New Zealand and others
Description
The Chilean jack mackerel is a horse mackerel or scad (Carangidae) from coastal and open water of the southeast Pacific, off Chile and Peru. The species grows to about 70 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 Chilean jack mackerel?
The Chilean jack mackerel has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.
Where does the Chilean jack mackerel live?
The Chilean jack mackerel lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. South America: Argentina, Australia, Chile, Ecuador, Galapagos Is., New Zealand and others
How big does the Chilean jack mackerel get?
The Chilean jack mackerel grows to a maximum of about 70 cm. On average the species is around 45 cm.
Is the Chilean jack mackerel dangerous to humans?
No, the Chilean jack 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 Chilean jack mackerel edible?
Yes, the Chilean jack 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 Chilean jack mackerel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Chilean jack mackerel is one of 12,519 species in the app.