Jack Mackerel

Small specimens may have an additional forward-directed spine at first dorsal origin (embedded in larger specimens).

Oceanodromous. Migrating within oceans typically between spawning and different feeding areas, as tunas do. Migrations should be cyclical and predictable and cover more than 100 km.

Dorsal spines (total): 8 - 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 28 - 38; Anal spines: 1 - 2; Analsoft rays: 22 - 33; Vertebrae: 23 - 25

Often found offshore, up to 500 miles from the coast (Ref. 9283). Forms large schools (Ref. 2850). Young frequently occur in school near kelp and under piers (Ref. 2850). Feeds mainly on small crustaceans and fish larvae (Ref. 9283). Large individuals often move inshore and north in the summer (Ref. 2850).

Adults are often found offshore, up to 500 miles from the coast (Ref. 9283). They form large schools (Ref. 2850). Young frequently occur in school near kelp and under piers (Ref. 2850). They feed mainly on small crustaceans and fish larvae (Ref. 9283). Large individuals often move inshore and north in the summer (Ref. 2850). Marketed fresh, smoked, canned and frozen; eaten fried, broiled and baked (Ref. 9988).

fisheries: commercial; gamefish: yes