Fin's Fish Guide
The Chows (Trachurus declivis) is a brackish-water fish of the family Carangidae that grows up to 64 cm.
Description
The greenback horse mackerel is a jack (Carangidae) from the temperate waters of Australia and New Zealand. The species has a slender, streamlined, silvery body with a greenish back and a row of bony scutes along the lateral line. Adults live on the continental shelf, usually near the bottom, in midwater and sometimes at the surface. It lives in large schools and hunts small zooplankton, small crustaceans and small fishes. It is an important commercial fish. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Chows?
The Chows has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Greenish back and bony scutes along the lateral line; schooling commercial horse mackerel.
Where does the Chows live?
The Chows lives in brackish water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Temperate waters of Australia and New Zealand; continental shelf.
How big does the Chows get?
The Chows grows to a maximum of about 64 cm. On average the species is around 42 cm.
Is the Chows dangerous to humans?
No, the Chows is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Chows edible?
Yes, the Chows 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 Chows?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Chows is one of 12,519 species in the app.