Fin's Fish Guide
The Chub mackerel (Rastrelliger brachysoma) is a brackish-water fish of the family Scombridae that grows up to 35 cm.
Indo-West Pacific; neritic coastal waters with slightly reduced salinity.
Description
The short mackerel is a small mackerel of the family Scombridae from the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 35 cm and has a streamlined, fairly deep, silvery body with a blue-green back. It is an epipelagic, neritic species that tolerates slightly reduced salinity and forms large schools in coastal waters. With long, fine gill rakers it filters phytoplankton and small zooplankton from the water. The short mackerel is a very important commercial food fish in Southeast Asia; owing to fishing pressure it is listed as Vulnerable (VU). It is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Chub mackerel?
The Chub mackerel has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly blue and shows a plain pattern. Filters plankton with fine gill rakers; important commercial schooling mackerel, vulnerable (VU).
Where does the Chub mackerel live?
The Chub mackerel lives in brackish water and is mostly found around open water. Indo-West Pacific; neritic coastal waters with slightly reduced salinity.
How big does the Chub mackerel get?
The Chub mackerel grows to a maximum of about 35 cm. On average the species is around 20 cm.
Is the Chub mackerel dangerous to humans?
No, the Chub mackerel is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Chub mackerel edible?
Yes, the Chub mackerel is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Rastrelliger
More from the family Scombridae
Want the complete picture on the Chub mackerel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Chub mackerel is one of 12,519 species in the app.