Blue Jack Mackerel

Overview

The Blue Jack Mackerel (Trachurus picturatus) is a schooling, mackerel-like fish belonging to the family Carangidae. This benthopelagic species is widely distributed across the eastern Atlantic and parts of the Mediterranean, often found in association with island shelves, banks, and seamounts.

Distribution & habitat

This species is primarily found in the eastern Atlantic, ranging from the southern Bay of Biscay to southern Morocco, including the Azores, Madeira, the Canary Islands, and the Tristan da Cunha and Gough Islands. It is also present in the western Mediterranean. It typically inhabits neritic zones and is known to migrate between coastal areas and offshore seamounts.

Appearance

Like other members of its genus, the Blue Jack Mackerel has a fusiform, or spindle-shaped, body. It is a relatively small to medium-sized fish, with a common length of around 25 cm, though it can reach a maximum length of 60 cm.

Biology & behavior

Blue Jack Mackerel are social fish that form large schools. They are known to be long-lived, with a maximum reported age of 18 years. As a benthopelagic species, they occupy the water column near the seabed. Their reproductive strategy involves batch spawning, where females release pelagic eggs into the water column.

Feeding

These fish are active predators that feed primarily on crustaceans, though their diet can also include smaller fish and cephalopods.