Mackerel

Introduction: The entire torpedo-shaped body of a mackerel (Scomber japonicus) is covered in scales. Other features include well-developed fins and a wide mouth with fine teeth in each jaw and the roof of the mouth. They usually occur close to land in large shoals in temperate surface water. Scomber is an ancient Greek name for a mackerel-like fish. Japonicus is from Japan where they were first described.

Distribution: Throughout Namibian coastal surface waters including Torra Bay, Terrace Bay, Luderitz, Walvis Bay and Henties Bay.

Diet: Plankton is filtered from water which includes krill, mantis shrimps and small fish.

Colouration: Upper body is a brilliant, metallic blue-green, decorated with numerous black zig-zag lines. The belly and lower flanks are silvery-white, the fins yellowish.

Breeding: Seasonal migrations are linked to the breeding cycle. Spawning occurs mainly from June to August, once mackerel have reached a length of around 48cm.

Max size: 70cm

Max weight: 2.4kg