mackerel

Mackerel is a common name applied to a number of different species of pelagic fish, mostly, but not exclusively, from the family Scombridae. They are found in both temperate and tropical seas, mostly living along the coast or offshore in the oceanic environment. Mackerel typically have vertical stripes on their backs and deeply forked tails. Many species are restricted in their distribution ranges, and live in separate populations or fish stocks based on geography. Some stocks migrate in large schools along the coast to suitable spawning grounds, where they spawn in fairly shallow waters. After spawning they return the way they came, in smaller schools, to suitable feeding grounds often near an area of upwelling. From there they may move offshore into deeper waters and spend the winter in relative inactivity. Other stocks migrate across oceans.

Die Makrele (Scomber scombrus) ist ein in Küstengewässern lebender Schwarmfisch. Makrelen sind durchschnittlich 30 bis 50 cm lang und können bis zu 17 Jahre alt werden. Sie fressen Plankton und Fischbrut von Heringen, Dorschen oder Sprotten. Makrelen kommen in den Küstengewässern Nordamerikas, in der Nordsee, im Mittelmeer und im Schwarzen Meer vor. Brutgebiete der Nordseemakrele befinden sich in der Irischen See und am Westrand der Norwegischen Rinne.