Mackerel (e.g. Scomber scombrus)

FishPelagicSchooling

Overview

Mackerel are fast, streamlined fish of the open sea, members of the same family as tuna (Scombridae). The Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus), shown here as a reference, has a torpedo-shaped body, a deeply forked tail, and a steel-blue back patterned with wavy dark bars over silvery sides — colours that shimmer and help camouflage it in open water.

Mackerel travel in large schools and are powerful swimmers, making them both major predators of smaller animals and a key food for larger ones.

Note: “mackerel” covers several species; details here focus on Atlantic mackerel. Stock status varies by species and region — verify against NOAA Fisheries and the IUCN Red List.

Habitat & Range

Atlantic mackerel live in the open waters of the North Atlantic and adjoining seas, often near the surface over continental shelves. They are migratory, moving between feeding and spawning areas with the seasons, and other mackerel species occupy warm and temperate seas around the world.

Diet

Mackerel are carnivores that feed on zooplankton, small fish, and fish larvae, often filtering or snapping up prey as they sweep through the water in schools. Their feeding shifts with the seasons and with the abundance of plankton.

Behavior

Mackerel are classic schooling fish, forming large, coordinated groups that offer some safety from predators and help with feeding. Built for sustained fast swimming, they keep moving to pass water over their gills. Schools migrate long distances and rise and fall in the water column following their prey.

Human Interaction & Conservation

Mackerel are among the most important food fishes in the world, supporting major fisheries, and they are also a vital link in marine food webs — feeding seabirds, larger fish, dolphins, and more. Sustainable management matters because heavily targeted pelagic stocks can fluctuate. Consult NOAA Fisheries and the IUCN Red List for current status.

More photos of the mackerel