Trachurus
Trachurus is a genus of fish in the family Carangidae, commonly known as horse mackerel, jack mackerel, or scad. These fish are found in temperate and tropical waters worldwide, typically inhabiting coastal regions and offshore areas.
Common Names
Depending on the species, Trachurus are known by various common names, including:
- Horse mackerel
- Jack mackerel
- Scad
- Bluefish
- Yellowtail scad
- Atlantic horse mackerel
- Pacific horse mackerel
Characteristics
Trachurus species share several distinctive characteristics, including:
- An elongated, fusiform body
- A single dorsal fin with a distinct anterior lobe
- A deeply forked caudal fin
- Small, cycloid scales
- A silvery-blue to olive-green coloration
- A lateral line that is strongly curved above the pectoral fin
Environment
Trachurus species are typically found in temperate and tropical waters worldwide. They are pelagic fish, meaning they inhabit the open ocean and prefer depths between the surface and 200 meters. Trachurus can be found in both coastal waters and offshore areas, often in large schools. They are highly migratory fish, traveling long distances in search of food and suitable spawning grounds.
References
For further information on Trachurus, consult the following reliable sources: