Pacific Mackerel

Scomber japonicus

Pacific Mackerel

Scomber japonicus

Other Common Names
Pacific chub mackerel, spanish mackerel

Open Sea

Other Common Names

Pacific chub mackerel, spanish mackerel

At the Aquarium

Open Sea

Appearance

Pacific mackerel have pointy heads and large mouths. Their bodies taper at both ends. The head and back are dark blue. They also have about 30 dark wavy lines on their back. Their undersides are silver-green.

This species can be told apart from other mackerel by counting the finlets on their back. They tend to have 4 to 6 finlets.

Pacific mackerel can grow to 25 inches and weigh up to 6.3 pounds.

Habitat

Warm and temperate waters ranging from 50˚ to 72˚ F within 20 miles of shore

Diet

Plankton and the young of other pelagic species, such as anchovies and sardines

Life History

Pacific mackerel can live up to 18 years and are able to preproduce by age 4.

In the northern hemisphere Pacific mackerel usually spawn in the first half of year while those in the southern hemisphere spawn in the second half of the year. Near the equator, spawning may take place year round.

They spawn several times a year, releasing batches of almost 70,000 eggs! Eggs are about 0.11 centimeters in diameter and float freely near the surface. The eggs usually hatch within 4 to 5 days.

Juveniles live offshore of sandy beaches, around kelp beds, and in open bays. Adults tend to live near shallow banks from the surface to depths of almost 1000 feet.

In the summer, adults migrate north to Washington and in the winter they travel south to Baja California.

IUCN Status

Least Concern

Ecosystem & Cultural Importance

Pacific mackerel are prey for larger fish like sharks and tunas, marine mammals, and seabirds.

Pacific mackerel are important in commercial fisheries in different parts of their range. They are marketed fresh, frozen, salted and occasionally canned for human consumption. They are also caught recreationally.

Widespread in the Pacific Ocean. From Alaska to Mexico and Panama to southern Chile

Pacific mackerel are found along the Oregon coast, usually close to shore. They are not usually targeted by anglers in Oregon, but they are often caught incidentally by those fishing for salmon.

Pacific mackerel form large schools as a defense against predators. They will often school with other pelagic species like jack mackerel, bonitos and sardines.

Pacific mackerel stay near the bottom during the day and swim up to the open water at night to feed.

Pacific mackerel belong to the Scombridae family which also includes tuna and bonito species.

Citations & Other Resources

Collette, B.B., S. Nakatsuka, and J. Suzuki. 2023. Scomber japonicus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2023.
Brian Gratwicke from DC, USA, Scomber japonicus Mackrel! (5625008836), CC BY 2.0
NOAA Fisheries. N.d. Pacific Mackerel. Species Directory. https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species/pacific-mackerel
California Department of Fish and Wildlife. N.d. Pacific Mackerel. Marine Species Portal. https://marinespecies.wildlife.ca.gov/pacific-mackerel/false/#:~:text=Scientific%20Name,five%20days%20after%20being%20spawned.
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. N.d. Pacific mackerel. https://myodfw.com/fishing/species/pacific-mackerel

Pacific Mackerel

Pacific Mackerel

Other Common Names

At the Aquarium

Appearance

Habitat

Diet

Life History

IUCN Status

Ecosystem & Cultural Importance

Citations & Other Resources

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