Fin's Fish Guide
The Mediterranean horse mackerel (Trachurus mediterraneus) is a saltwater fish of the family Carangidae that grows up to 60 cm.
Mediterranean Sea, the Black Sea and the adjacent eastern Atlantic coast, in coastal and surface waters.
Description
The Mediterranean horse mackerel is a slender, torpedo-shaped schooling fish of the family Carangidae reaching about 60 cm. The silvery-grey body has a blue-green back, a dark blotch on the gill cover and, as a hallmark, a row of large keeled bony scutes along the strongly curved lateral line. The species closely resembles the Atlantic horse mackerel but occurs mainly in the Mediterranean, the Black Sea and the adjacent eastern Atlantic coast, in coastal and surface waters. It forms large schools that rise at night to hunt small fish, crustaceans and zooplankton. The Mediterranean horse mackerel is an important commercial and sport fish in the Mediterranean region.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Mediterranean horse mackerel?
The Mediterranean horse mackerel has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Horse mackerel with a row of keeled bony scutes along the strongly curved lateral line and a dark blotch on the operculum.
Where does the Mediterranean horse mackerel live?
The Mediterranean horse mackerel lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. Mediterranean Sea, the Black Sea and the adjacent eastern Atlantic coast, in coastal and surface waters.
How big does the Mediterranean horse mackerel get?
The Mediterranean horse mackerel grows to a maximum of about 60 cm. On average the species is around 30 cm.
Is the Mediterranean horse mackerel dangerous to humans?
No, the Mediterranean horse mackerel is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Mediterranean horse mackerel edible?
Yes, the Mediterranean horse mackerel is commonly eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Mediterranean horse mackerel and live in the same waters.
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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 Mediterranean horse mackerel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Mediterranean horse mackerel is one of 12,519 species in the app.