FOR AGES 3 YEARS TO 18 YEARS
At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents.
We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family.
Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability.
Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
Are you interested in learning about various species of fish? You are going to love reading about the Atlantic horse mackerel. The Atlantic horse mackerel is a species of jack mackerel. The Atlantic horse mackerel is a resident of the eastern Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. It is also found in the African Indian Ocean, Black Sea, and the Marmara Sea. It is a popular food item all over the world. This is the reason they are so common in commercial fisheries. The Atlantic horse mackerel also goes by the common name 'common scad'. Another popular common name of the fish is the 'European horse mackerel'. This fish living on the coast of South Africa and other areas belongs to the family Carangidae. Currently, they are listed as Vulnerable in the IUCN Red List. Their popularity in the fisheries has resulted in a decline in their population.
Keep on reading to learn about the description and more about this species of fish. Check out Atlantic mackerel and king mackerel to learn about other interesting fish.
The Atlantic horse mackerel or European horse mackerel is a type of fish belonging to the family Carangidae. It is a member of the order Carangiformes. Atlantic horse mackerel is known to be species of jack mackerel.
The Atlantic horse mackerel or common scad belongs to the Actinopterygii class of the Animalia kingdom. It is a member of the phylum Chordata and genus Trachurus. The scientific name of this fish is Trachurus trachurus.
The exact number of Atlantic horse mackerels (Trachurus trachurus) living in this world is not yet known. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature or the IUCN, their population trend is decreasing.
Even though the population of this species of fish is known to be decreasing, they can be spotted quite often in their distribution range. They are a resident of the shallow areas in the eastern Atlantic Ocean. Southern, western North Sea (Norway) to South Africa is home to these fish. Apart from that, they inhabit the Mediterranean Sea and the African Indian Ocean. A number of Atlantic horse mackerels (species of jack mackerel) are found living in the Black Sea and the Marmara Sea.
The Atlantic horse mackerel, a species of jack mackerel, prefers living in shallow areas and at a depth of 330–656 ft (101-200 m). It is a migratory fish and moves to the south where the temperature is higher in winter and returns during the summer to the cooler north, including areas like the North Sea.
The Atlantic horse mackerel or common scad fish (Trachurus trachurus) lives in schools. A school of a large number of Atlantic horse mackerels can be seen together. It prefers doing daily activities in schools.
The average lifespan of an Atlantic horse mackerel fish or European horse mackerel is not known. However, the species living in South Africa can live up to 24 years. The northeastern Atlantic stocks are known to reach a maximum age of 40 years.
The breeding season of this species of fish is generally in the summer season. The females reach sexual maturity at two to four years of age. They mostly spawn in batches. Females can lay about 140000 eggs pelagic eggs.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature or the IUCN has listed the Atlantic horse mackerel or European horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus) as Vulnerable in their Red List of Threatened Species. The population trend of this fish is known to be diminishing over the years. Being a common fish in the commercial fisheries, these species of fish fall victim to excessive fishing. Proper recovery plans are needed to protect the population of Atlantic horse mackerel or common scad from declining further.
The Atlantic horse mackerel or common scad has a compressed body that is gray to blueish-green in color. Compared to the body length, it has a large head. This species of fish has two dorsal fins and one anal fin. The first dorsal fin is shorter than the second one. The curved line running from head to tail has about 30-40 bony scutes, and the lateral line has 31-36 scutes. The upper jaw of the fish has quite a length. The upper jaw generally goes up till the front of the eyes.
*Please note, this is not the Atlantic horse mackerel, if you have an image of the Atlantic horse mackerel, let us know at [email protected]
Like Indian mackerel, the Atlantic horse mackerel or common scad (Trachurus trachurus) living in the eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea can be considered cute. The slender body with gray and bluish-green coloration adds to its beauty.
Atlantic horse mackerel or common scad, like most other fishes, send off vibrations inside the water to communicate.
The Atlantic horse mackerel (scientific name- Trachurus trachurus) has an average body length of about 6-12 in (15-30.5 cm). However, some fish of this species can grow as big as 24 in (60 cm). When compared to a Spanish mackerel, the European horse mackerel is much shorter in length.
Atlantic horse mackerel or European horse mackerel is an active fish. It is an agile swimmer and is known to cover great distances. However, the exact speed of the fish is not studied yet.
Atlantic horse mackerel belonging to the fish family Carangidae weighs around 3-4 lb (1.3-2 kg).
There is no specific name for male and female Atlantic horse mackerels. They are referred to as male Atlantic horse mackerel and female Atlantic horse mackerel.
A baby of Atlantic horse mackerel or common scad fish is referred to as a 'fry'.
A major part of the diet of the Atlantic horse mackerels consists of crustaceans that are found in their distribution range. Apart from crustaceans, a variety of squids and shrimps also become food to the Atlantic horse mackerels. They are also known to prey on other smaller fishes and their larvae.
The Atlantic horse mackerel or common scad fish species is not considered to be dangerous. They do not pose any threat to humans.
Atlantic horse mackerel can be kept as pets. However, they are not the most preferable choice of fish to keep as a pet.
The sideline present in the fish has a unique S-shape.
Small fishes are known to ride on the back of these species and cover great distances. This is why they are called horse mackerel.
Like a salmon, the Atlantic horse mackerel or European horse mackerel is a common food item all over the world. It is good to eat as it is rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids. It is known to taste great. Atlantic horse mackerel or common scad can be baked, grilled, boiled, or canned. It is also a popular fish to make sushi in Japan. This is the reason they are so common in commercial fisheries.
Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! For more relatable content, check out these king salmon facts and carp facts pages.
You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable Atlantic horse mackerel coloring pages.
Read The Disclaimer
At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents.
We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family.
Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability.
Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising.
We hope you love our recommendations for products and services! What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. If you purchase using the buy now button we may earn a small commission. This does not influence our choices. Please note: prices are correct and items are available at the time the article was published.
Kidadl has a number of affiliate partners that we work with including Amazon. Please note that Kidadl is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.
We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content.
Was this article helpful?
We’ll send you tons of inspiration to help you find a hidden gem in your local area or plan a big day out.
Check your inbox for your latest news from us. You have subscribed to:
Remember that you can always manage your preferences or unsubscribe through the link at the foot of each newsletter.