saltwater
Mediterranean Horse Mackerel
Trachurus mediterraneus
Elongated, slightly compressed body with large eyes, a prominent lateral line covered in bony scutes, silvery-grey coloration on the back with silvery flanks and a white belly, and two dorsal fins.
- Habitat
- Inhabit coastal marine waters, often schooling near the…
- Size & weight
- Typically ranges from 15 to 30 cm in length, with a maxi…
- Diet
- Feeds primarily on small pelagic crustaceans, zooplankto…
Identified More saltwater →
Learn more about Mediterranean Horse Mackerel in the encyclopedia →Identify your own catch.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical characteristics
Elongated, slightly compressed body with large eyes, a prominent lateral line covered in bony scutes, silvery-grey coloration on the back with silvery flanks and a white belly, and two dorsal fins.
Habitat & distribution
Inhabit coastal marine waters, often schooling near the seabed as well as in the pelagic zone over sandy or muddy bottoms, widely distributed in the Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea, and eastern Atlantic Ocean.
Behavior
Forms large, highly coordinated schools in pelagic and demersal zones, exhibiting active swimming patterns and seasonal migrations related to spawning and temperature changes.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small pelagic crustaceans, zooplankton, and small fish using particulate feeding or suction feeding techniques.
Reproduction
Pelagic spawners that release buoyant eggs into the open water column, typically during the spring and summer months when water temperatures rise.
Ecological role
Serves as an important mid-trophic level link in marine food webs, functioning as both a significant predator of smaller organisms and prey for larger pelagic fish, marine mammals, and seabirds.
Similar species
Atlantic Horse Mackerel (Trachurus trachurus), which can be distinguished by subtle differences in the length of the lateral line scutes and body proportions.
Identification tips
Look for the distinct row of bony scutes running along the lateral line, large dark eye with a characteristic black spot on the operculum, and the sleek, silvery fusiform body shape.
Interesting facts
Horse mackerels are known for producing low-frequency sounds using their swim bladders, often when startled or during schooling synchronization.