Trachurus Picturatus
– Black Mackerel –
| Conservation status |
|---|
 Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)[1] |
| Scientific classification |
Trachurus picturatus
(S. Bowdich, 1825)
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Carangiformes |
| Family: | Carangidae |
| Genus: | Trachurus |
| Species: | T. picturatus |
The blue jack mackerel (Trachurus picturatus) is a species of mackerel-like fish in the family Carangidae.[2] Their maximum reported length is 60 cm, with a common length of 25 cm. They are coastal fish found at depths to 370 m off the Bay of Biscay to south Morocco and the western Mediterranean.[3]
The Horse mackerel or mackerel [1] ( Trachurus picturatus [ Bowdich , 1825 ] ), also known as mackerel pitted or mackerel black , is a marine fish of the family Carangidae .
Description
Very similar to the common horse mackerel and the horse mackerel but distinct from them, as well as from the different habitat, also from the following details:
- the livery is much darker, dark blue / black on the back and whitish on the belly and the dark opercular spot is not very visible in the live animal
- the fins are transparent or pink
- the accessory lateral line is very long reaching beyond the beginning of the second dorsal fin
- the last rays of the dorsal and anal fins are separated from the others.
Distribution and Habitat
The species is widespread throughout the Mediterranean and in the eastern Atlantic Ocean between the Gulf of Biscay to the north and the coasts of tropical Africa to the south.
It is more common around the islands than near the coasts.
Its habitat is similar to that of the other members of the Genus but, being a strictly pelagic species, it prefers even more the open sea and is preferably found near cliffs overlooking islands or promontories. Its habitat is also considerably deeper as it is usually encountered up to 400-500 meters.
