Fin's Fish Guide
The Indo-Pacific king mackerel (Scomberomorus guttatus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Scombridae that grows up to 76 cm.
Description
The Indo-Pacific king mackerel is a fast mackerel from the Indo-West Pacific, from the Persian Gulf and India to Southeast Asia and China. The species grows to about 76 cm and has a streamlined, steel-blue-silvery body with rows of round, grey spots on the flank. As a fast predator it hunts small schooling fish, shrimp and squid in schools in coastal water. It is an important commercial food and sport fish. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Indo-Pacific king mackerel?
The Indo-Pacific king mackerel has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a spots pattern. Fast schooling predatory mackerel with grey flank blotches
Where does the Indo-Pacific king mackerel live?
The Indo-Pacific king mackerel lives in brackish water and is mostly found around open water. Indo-West Pacific
How big does the Indo-Pacific king mackerel get?
The Indo-Pacific king mackerel grows to a maximum of about 76 cm. On average the species is around 55 cm.
Is the Indo-Pacific king mackerel dangerous to humans?
No, the Indo-Pacific king 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 Indo-Pacific king mackerel edible?
Yes, the Indo-Pacific king mackerel is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Scomberomorus
More from the family Scombridae
Want the complete picture on the Indo-Pacific king mackerel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Indo-Pacific king mackerel is one of 12,519 species in the app.