Depth
Trachurus · Bony Fish

Atlantic Horse Mackerel

Trachurus trachurus

0-600m
Depth Range
70cm
Max Size
Mediterranean
Distribution
0-600m
Depth Range
70cm
Max Size
Pelagic
Habitat
Carnivore
Diet
Schooling
Social
LC
IUCN Status
Moderate
Sighting Likelihood
KingdomAnimalia
PhylumChordata
ClassActinopterygii
GenusTrachurus
Speciestrachurus

Bony Fish

Identification & Biology

  • IdentificationElongated, laterally compressed body. Blue-green back with silver flanks. A distinctive line of enlarged, keeled scutes runs along the entire lateral line. Large eyes.
  • SizeUp to 60 cm total length, commonly 20 to 30 cm.
  • Social HabitHighly gregarious, forming large pelagic schools that move through coastal and offshore waters.
  • HabitatOpen water from the coast to the continental shelf edge. Often near the bottom during the day and near the surface at night.
  • DepthSurface to 500 m, most common between 10 and 200 m.
  • Feeds OnSmall fish, crustaceans, and zooplankton captured in midwater.
  • DistributionEastern Atlantic from Iceland to Senegal, including the entire Mediterranean Sea.
  • DescriptionA common pelagic fish that forms large, fast-moving schools along the Mediterranean coast. The line of spiny scutes along its lateral line distinguishes it from true mackerels. An important commercial species, it is also a key prey item for tuna, dolphins, and seabirds.

Range

Habitat & Distribution

Found from the surface to 600 m depth, though most common between 100 and 200 m. Undertakes seasonal migrations across the continental shelf.

Where Malta divers have spotted this species

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Sightings are logged by divers using our What Did You See? dive-log tool. View the full live sightings map.

Detail

Preferred Environment

Occurs over a wide range of substrates on the continental shelf. Large schools are often found in mid-water around wrecks, rocky pinnacles, and areas of upwelling.

Encounter Tips

Best approached slowly and calmly. Avoid casting shadows directly over the animal. Neutral buoyancy and patience increase encounter success significantly.

Atlantic Horse Mackerel species card

Biology

Behaviour & Diet

Feeding Strategy

Preys on small fish such as anchovies and sardines, as well as crustaceans and squid. Schools herd prey before attacking in coordinated rushes.

Cooperative hunter

Reproduction

Spawns in open water from winter to spring, with peak activity in early spring. Eggs are pelagic and develop rapidly in warmer surface layers.

Batch spawner

Behaviour & Defence

Relies heavily on dense schooling behaviour and speed. The lateral scutes provide some armour against smaller predatory strikes.

Schooling + scutes

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Where to Encounter in Malta

Dive sites where Trachurus trachurus may be encountered will be added as sighting data is collected.

IUCN Red List Least Concern

Conservation Status

This species is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Mediterranean populations face ongoing pressure from fishing activity, habitat degradation, and climate-driven changes.

Source: IUCN Red List
diveshack Mediterranean Marine Life guide