Scombridae

The Scombridae family, also known as mackerels, comprises swift-moving, streamlined fish found in temperate and tropical seas worldwide. These fish are characterized by their torpedo-shaped bodies, slender tail bases, forked tails, and rows of small finlets behind their dorsal and anal fins. Mackerels are carnivorous, feeding on plankton, crustaceans, mollusks, fish eggs, and small fish. They typically school together and are active swimmers in the upper layers of the ocean, descending to deeper waters in winter.1

Notable members of this family include the common mackerel (Scomber scombrus) of the Atlantic Ocean and the chub mackerel (S. colias), found in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Other related species include those in the genus Scomberomorus, such as the Spanish mackerel and king mackerel, which are prized game fish with excellent flesh quality. The family also includes Indian mackerels (Rastrelliger) and frigate mackerels (Auxis). The term "mackerel" is also sometimes used for certain types of tuna and bonito.1