mackerel is a common name applied to a number of different species of pelagic fish, 

mostly 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 species typically have vertical stripes on their backs and deeply forked tails. 

many are restricted in their distribution ranges and live in separate populations or 

fish stocks based on geography. Some stocks migrate in large schools along the 

coast to suitable spawning grounds, where they spawn in fairly shallow waters. 

after spawning they return the way they came in smaller schools to suitable feeding 

grounds, often near an area of upwelling. From there they may move offshore into 

deeper waters and spend the winter in relative inactivity. Other stocks migrate across 

oceans.

smaller mackerel are forage fish for larger predators, including larger mackerel and 

atlantic cod. Flocks of seabirds, whales, dolphins, sharks, and schools of larger 

fish such as tuna and marlin follow mackerel schools and attack them in sophisticated 

and cooperative ways. Mackerel flesh is high in omega-3 oils and is intensively 

harvested by humans. In 2009, over 5 million tons were landed by commercial 

fishermen. Sport fishermen value the fighting abilities of the king.

mackerel is a common name applied to a number of different species of pelagic fish, 

mostly 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 species typically have vertical stripes on their backs and deeply forked tails. 

many are restricted in their distribution ranges and live in separate populations or 

fish stocks based on geography. Some stocks migrate in large schools along the 

coast to suitable spawning grounds, where they spawn in fairly shallow waters. 

after spawning they return the way they came in smaller schools to suitable feeding 

grounds, often near an area of upwelling. From there they may move offshore into 

deeper waters and spend the winter in relative inactivity. Other stocks migrate across 

oceans.

smaller mackerel are forage fish for larger predators, including larger mackerel and 

atlantic cod. Flocks of seabirds, whales, dolphins, sharks, and schools of larger 

fish such as tuna and marlin follow mackerel schools and attack them in sophisticated 

and cooperative ways. Mackerel flesh is high in omega-3 oils and is intensively 

harvested by humans. In 2009, over 5 million tons were landed by commercial 

fishermen. Sport fishermen value the fighting abilities of the king.