Common name : Pacific mackerel,
Japanese mackerel, Spotted mackerel
Scientific name : Scomber australasicus
Family : Scombridae
Native to : Atlantic and Pacific Oceans
Interesting fact : Eggs of mackerels float on water as they contain oily drops.
Conservation status : Least Concern
Mackerels are found in both temperate and tropical seas. They are torpedo-shaped, with vertical stripes, bluish-green backs, silvery bellies and deeply forked tails. Ranging in size from 14-16 inches long, they feed on plankton, crustaceans, molluscs, eggs of fish, shrimp, squid and small fish. Spawning is in spring and early summer along coastlines. Their lifespan is 15 years.
