Atlantic mackerel

D-Makrele, Atlantische Makrele; GB-Atlantic mackerel; DK-Makrel; PL-Makrela atlantycka; LT-Atlantinė skumbrė; LV-Atlantijas makrele; EST-Makrell; RU-Атлантическая скумбрия; FIN-Makrilli; S-Makrill

Characters

1) Several finlets behind dorsal and anal fins.
2) Both dorsal fins very widely separated from each other.
●) Characteristic blue pattern on the back.
Usually 45 cm, rarely up to 60 cm length and 1,8 kg weight.

Similar species

Plain bonito - dorsal fins close to each other; without pattern on back.

Atlantic horse-mackerel - no finlets; no stripes.

Atlantic bluefin tuna - dorsal fins close to each other; without pattern on back.

Biology

Swarm fish of upper water layers. Spawns between May and July; eggs drift in the free water.

Diet

Feeds on small fish and invertebrates.

Importance

Of great commercial importance; well-liked as food fish.

Endangerment

Affected due to systematic fisheries and due to by-catch.