Scombridae
Mackerel vary in size from the smallest species, the 14 cm (5.5 inch) long argentine, up to the 4 m (13 ft) wahoo. Most species are silvery-blue, but some, like the Spanish mackerel, are brightly coloured. Mackerel can live up to 25 years, and typically feed on small fish and crustaceans.
They are an important food source for many larger fish, seabirds, and marine mammals.
Mackerel are found in temperate and tropical waters worldwide, often living along the coast or offshore in the oceanic environment. They are found in both deep and shallow waters, with some species living close to the surface.
Mackerel typically feed on small fish and crustaceans, but may also consume mollusks and squid.
Mackerel are normally schooling fish, typically swimming in large schools of several thousand individuals. Schools of mackerel may form large aggregations, which can span several hundred kilometers in diameter.
In the open ocean, mackerel typically swim just below the surface, but may dive to depths of 200 m (660 ft) or more.
Mackerel is a common name applied to a number of different species of pelagic fish, mostly, but not exclusively, from the family Scombridae. They are found in both temperate and tropical seas, mostly living along the coast or offshore in the oceanic environment.
Mackerel commonly have vertical stripes on their backs and deeply forked tails. Many species are heavily targeted by commercial and recreational fisheries. Mackerel provides a commercial fishery in many countries.
