Atlantic Horse Mackerel

Scientific Name: Trachurus trachurus

Category: fish

Atlantic Horse Mackerel

Brief Description

A schooling marine fish belonging to the Carangidae family, widely caught for food and found in the eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean.

Characteristics

Elongated, slightly compressed body with a distinct curved lateral line covered in large, plate-like scales called scutes. They are generally silvery with a dark spot on the operculum (gill cover).

Habitat

Benthopelagic species occurring in coastal waters over sandy bottoms; found at depths from 100m to over 500m.

When to Find It

Found year-round, but often migrates toward the surface during warmer summer months and retreats to deeper waters in winter.

Conservation Status

Vulnerable (IUCN Red List) in some regions due to overfishing; Least Concern globally.

Ecological Role

A major link in the marine food web; they are opportunistic feeders eating smaller fish and crustaceans while serving as a primary food source for large predators like tuna and dolphins.

Easily Confused With

Mediterranean Horse Mackerel (Trachurus mediterraneus) and Blue Jack Mackerel (Trachurus picturatus). Trachurus trachurus is distinguished by the length of its accessory lateral line.

Observation Tips

Best observed in coastal fish markets or while snorkeling near schools in shelf waters. When photographing, focus on the sharp scutes along the lateral line.

Interesting Facts

Despite being called a 'mackerel', it is actually a species of jack or scad. In Portugal and Spain, they are a culinary staple known as carapau or jurel.