Consumption of this species is considered unsustainable, think before you consume this fish to help relieve pressure on stocks. They are fully exploited and have recently shown declines. Always respect sustainable sizes and avoid consumption seasons.

Non toxic but do not consume regulary. Can in rare instances cause scombroid poisoning if the fish contaminated with high levels of histamines. Histamine contaminated fish often have a metallic, sharp, or peppery taste, smell bad, or have a “honey-combed” appearance.

Has a slender body, reaching up to 60 cm in length but specimens of over 30 cm are rare, likely due to fishing pressure. It has a pointed snout, and like the common mackerel, the dorsal fins are spaced apart. Ventral fins are present on the fromt of the body, at the level of the pectoral fins. The body is covered in small scales, with larger scales at the back of the head and on the pectoral fins. Its swim bladder allows it to quickly dive deep. THe body has a bluish-green coloration with yellowish hues and dark spots along the flanks. The belly and lower part of the flanks are white. Looks like: Common mackerel, from which differs by its spotted and striped flanks. THe eyes are larger and covered with a flap of adipose tissue.

The population of this fish species in the North Atlantic Ocean has recently increased to 57 million!