Species profile
Atlantic Mackerel
Scomber scombrus
Identify Atlantic Mackerel (Scomber scombrus) from a photo — free, unlimited, no sign-up — with the CatchRules iPhone app. Plus current fishing rules across 11 jurisdictions.
At a glance
Atlantic Mackerel (Scomber scombrus) is an IUCN Least Concern bony-fish species regulated in 12 of 66 jurisdictions tracked by CatchRules across the U.S. and Canada.
The strictest bag limit is 20 (Federal Waters (NOAA)); the most generous is 100 (British Columbia).
Confirmed by 677 research-grade iNaturalist observations, with Nova Scotia, Maine, and New Brunswick the top jurisdictions by observation count.
Notable details
- Lacks a functional swim bladder and must keep swimming to maintain depth.
- Forms enormous schools containing millions of fish spanning several miles.
- Among the richest commonly eaten fish in omega-3 fatty acids.
- Can reach about 22 inches in length and live up to 20 years.
- Spawns in offshore Atlantic waters from spring through early summer each year.
Where Atlantic Mackerel are seen
Jurisdictions with rules for Atlantic Mackerel
Background
The Atlantic mackerel, also known as Boston mackerel, Norwegian mackerel, Scottish mackerel or just mackerel, is a species of mackerel found in the temperate waters of the Mediterranean Sea, the Black Sea, and the northern Atlantic Ocean, where it is extremely common and occurs in huge shoals in the epipelagic zone down to about 200 m (660 ft).
Background excerpt adapted from Wikipedia's Atlantic Mackerel article (CC BY-SA). Visit Wikipedia for the full entry.
Other bony fish on CatchRules
Frequently asked questions
What is Atlantic Mackerel?
Atlantic Mackerel (Scomber scombrus) is an IUCN Least Concern bony-fish species regulated in 12 of 66 jurisdictions tracked by CatchRules across the U.S. and Canada.
What is the scientific name for Atlantic Mackerel?
Atlantic Mackerel is Scomber scombrus.
Is Atlantic Mackerel regulated for fishing?
Yes — Atlantic Mackerel has fishing regulations in 11 U.S. states and/or Canadian provinces tracked by CatchRules. See the "Jurisdictions with rules" section above for the binding-source links.
How can I identify Atlantic Mackerel?
Take a photo with the free CatchRules iPhone app — on-device identification recognizes Atlantic Mackerel along with ~1,500 other species. No sign-up, unlimited use.
Photo credit: iNaturalist / Wikipedia. Identification reference only — verify regulations with the issuing wildlife agency before retaining a catch.