MACKEREL BIO
SCIENTIFIC NAMES:
Spanish mackerel – Scomberomorous maculatus
Chub (Northern) Mackerel – Scomber japonicas
Atlantic Mackerel – Scomber scombrus
Horse Mackerel – Megalaspis cordyla
AKA:
Chub Mackerel – Northern Mackerel
Atlantic Mackerel – Boston Mackerel
PROMINENT FEATURES:
Mackerel is a common name applied to a number of different species of pelagic fish. Over thirty different species, principally belonging to the family Scombridae, are commonly referred to as mackerel. The term “mackerel” means “marked” or “spotted.” They are found in both temperate and tropical seas, mostly living along the coast or offshore in the oceanic environment.
Mackerels are beautifully streamlined, fast-swimming fish with silver under belly and metallic green and blue upperparts with irregular bands along the back. Unlike the southern Spanish mackerels, the Northern or Atlantic or Horse mackerels are round in shape and very fast swimmers.
Spanish mackerel are a schooling fish that migrates northward in spring, returning to southerly waters when water temperature drops below 70 degrees F. They spawn offshore from spring through summer and feed on small fish and squid.
Northern (Chub) Mackerel is harvested in the northern Gulf of Mexico by Raffield Fisheries. These are the smallest of the mackerel that we offer.
Atlantic mackerel are found on both sides of the North Atlantic Ocean. Atlantic mackerel are offered in a number of graded sizes.
The Indian mackerel is found in warm shallow waters along the coasts of the Indian and Western Pacific oceans. The mackerel are 2 to 4 to a kg (1/2 lb – 1 lb)
USES:
Spanish mackerel are packed individually in a vacuum bag, meant for trolling for large pelagic fish and billfish.
The Northern mackerels (Chub or Atlantic species) are approximately 75 to 90 gm, or 4 or 5 to the pound. Generally used for all bottom fish, snapper and amberjacks, similar to a sardine or cigar minnow.
The Atlantic and Horse Mackerels are a favorite for catching the big, deep water groupers. Favored by commercial fishermen.
PACKAGING FORMS:
Packed individually
5 lb box
Bulk packaging
