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Blue mackerel (Scomber australasicus) — Scombridae

Blue mackerel

Scomber australasicus
Family: Scombridae
LC · Least Concern

The Blue mackerel (Scomber australasicus) is a saltwater fish of the family Scombridae that grows up to 44 cm.

Length
44 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
87.0–200.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Large groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The blue mackerel is a fast, schooling mackerel of the family Scombridae from the Indo-Pacific. The species grows to about 44 cm and has a streamlined, torpedo-shaped body with a blue-green back with wavy dark lines and a silvery-white belly. It occurs in coastal and oceanic waters and forms large schools. As a fast plankton feeder and predator it feeds on small zooplankton, small fishes and crustaceans. The blue mackerel is an important commercial fish used fresh and as bait. It is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Blue mackerel?

The Blue mackerel has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly blue and shows a flame-patterned pattern.

Where does the Blue mackerel live?

The Blue mackerel lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water.

How big does the Blue mackerel get?

The Blue mackerel grows to a maximum of about 44 cm. On average the species is around 30 cm.

Is the Blue mackerel dangerous to humans?

No, the Blue mackerel is harmless to humans.

Is the Blue mackerel edible?

Yes, the Blue mackerel is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Blauwe makreel sourced
English name
Blue mackerel verified
Scientific name
Scomber australasicus
Family
Scombridae
Other names
Blue mackerel verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
44.0 verified
Average length (cm)
30.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Blue inferred
Pattern
Flame-patterned inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
Two separate inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Min depth (m)
87.0 verified
Max depth (m)
200.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Large groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Sportvissen met kunstaas of (dood/levend) aasvis door te trollen, te werpen of drijvend te vissen in open water. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Scomber

More from the family Scombridae

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