Atlantic saury

D-Makrelenhecht; GB-Atlantic saury; DK-Makrelgedde; PL-Makrelosz; EST-Makrellhaug; RU-Атлантическая сайра; FIN-Makrillihauki; S-Makrillgädda

Characters

1) Beak-like elongated mouth.
2) Dorsal and anal fins originating very far back.
3) 5 to 7 finlets present.
●) Body very elongated and slender.
●) Back blueish or coloured olive; abdominal side golden to silvern.
Often 30 cm length, up to max. 50 cm length.

Similar species

Garfish - no finlets behind dorsal and anal fins present.

Biology

Swarm forming fish of free waters, mostly close to the water surface; spawning occurs in open waters, eggs are adhered to drifting seaweed with sticky filaments.

Diet

Feeds mainly on free swimming crustaceans, but also on smaller fish.

Importance

Of little commercial importance.

Endangerment

Presumably not endangered.