The Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Scombridae that grows up to 60 cm.
Description
Atlantic mackerel is a slender, fast schooling fish of the family Scombridae reaching 60 cm. It has a streamlined body with a blue-green back, dark wavy bars and silvery-white, unmarked flanks. Two well-separated dorsal fins and a row of small finlets before the forked tail are characteristic. Mackerel live pelagically across the northern Atlantic, the North Sea and the Mediterranean, hunting zooplankton and small fish by day. The species migrates seasonally toward the coast to spawn, releasing pelagic eggs. A batch spawner and a strong swimmer, mackerel is a highly sought-after and commercially important food fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Atlantic mackerel?
The Atlantic mackerel has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly blue and shows a vertical stripes pattern.
Where does the Atlantic mackerel live?
The Atlantic mackerel lives in brackish water and is mostly found around open water.
How big does the Atlantic mackerel get?
The Atlantic mackerel grows to a maximum of about 60 cm. On average the species is around 30 cm.
Is the Atlantic mackerel dangerous to humans?
No, the Atlantic mackerel is harmless to humans.
Is the Atlantic mackerel edible?
Yes, the Atlantic mackerel is a highly prized food fish.
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Habitat & distribution
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Status & sources
Same genus Scomber
More from the family Scombridae
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