Fin's Fish Guide
The West African Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus tritor) is a brackish-water fish of the family Scombridae that grows up to 100 cm.
Eastern Atlantic along the coast of West Africa, pelagic in coastal water and above the continental shelf, also in estuaries and lagoons; tolerates brackish water.
Description
The West African Spanish mackerel is a slender, fast mackerel of the family Scombridae reaching about 1 metre. The streamlined, silvery body bears rows of round, yellow spots on the flank and ends in a deeply crescent-shaped tail; the mouth is set with sharp, knife-like teeth. The species lives pelagically in coastal water and over the continental shelf along the West African coast and also enters estuaries and lagoons. In fast schools it hunts schooling fish such as sardinella and anchovy, supplemented with squid and shrimps. With its tasty flesh the West African Spanish mackerel is an important commercial fish and a prized, hard-fighting sport fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the West African Spanish mackerel?
The West African Spanish mackerel has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a spots pattern. Slender, fast mackerel with sharp teeth and rows of round, yellow spots on the silver flank; an open-water predator of coastal water.
Where does the West African Spanish mackerel live?
The West African Spanish mackerel lives in brackish water and is mostly found around open water. Eastern Atlantic along the coast of West Africa, pelagic in coastal water and above the continental shelf, also in estuaries and lagoons; tolerates brackish water.
How big does the West African Spanish mackerel get?
The West African Spanish mackerel grows to a maximum of about 100 cm. On average the species is around 75 cm.
Is the West African Spanish mackerel dangerous to humans?
No, the West African Spanish mackerel is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the West African Spanish mackerel edible?
Yes, the West African Spanish mackerel is a highly prized food fish.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the West African Spanish mackerel and live in the same waters.
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All data
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Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
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Status & sources
Same genus Scomberomorus
More from the family Scombridae
Want the complete picture on the West African Spanish mackerel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the West African Spanish mackerel is one of 12,519 species in the app.