Blue mackerel: Difference between revisions

Blue mackerel
Conservation status
	; Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Actinopterygii
Order:	Scombriformes
Family:	Scombridae
Genus:	Scomber
Species:	S. australasicus
Binomial name
	Scomber australasicus; Cuvier, 1832
Synonyms
	Scomber tapeinocephalus Bleeker, 1854; Scomber antarcticus Castelnau, 1872;

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The blue mackerel (Scomber australasicus), also called Japanese mackerel, Pacific mackerel, slimy mackerel or spotted chub mackerel, is a fish of the family Scombridae. It typically reaches 30 cm (12 in) in length and 1.4 kg (3.1 lb) in weight.

Description

Blue mackerel are often mistaken for chub mackerel. In fact, blue mackerel were believed to be a subspecies of chub mackerel until the late 1980s. Though they are both in the same genus (Scomber), blue mackerel set themselves apart by differing structural genes than those of the chub mackerel.^[2] Other, more obvious, characteristics set these two apart, like the longer anal spine of the blue mackerel, and the amount of spines on the first dorsal fin.^[2] Mackerels have a round body that narrows into the tail after the second dorsal fin, similar to a tuna fish.^[3]

Distribution and habitat

The blue mackerel is found in tropical and subtropical waters of the Pacific Ocean from Japan south to Australia and New Zealand, in the eastern Pacific (Hawaii and Socorro Island, Mexico), and the Indo-West Pacific: the Red Sea, the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman and the Gulf of Aden, in surface waters down to 200 m (660 ft).^{[citation needed]}

Throughout the lives of these mackerel, they tend to stay in areas within a few degrees of 10 °C (50 °F)^[4] in tropical to subtropical waters.^[2] Off the east coast of North America, populations of mackerel have grown to over 2 million after being depleted in 1982.^[4] Blue mackerels can be found from the coast of North America, and as far as Australia and Japan.^{[citation needed]}

Biology and ecology

The blue mackerel is known as a voracious and indiscriminate carnivore, devouring microscopic plankton, krill, anchovies, and dead cut bait, and striking readily on lures and other flies. When in a school and in a feeding frenzy, blue mackerel will strike at nonfood items such as cigarette butts and even bare hooks. They typically eat smaller pelagic fish. Due to their eating habits and their diurnal lifestyles, blue mackerel have evolved large eyes with higher sensitivity in their retinas.^[5]

Lifespan

Incubation periods range from 3 to 8 days, growing shorter with warmer temperatures and longer with colder.^[4] In the East China Sea, blue mackerel spawn between February and May, when the water temperatures are ideal.^[6] In New South Wales, most spawning occurs 10 km (6.2 mi) offshore in waters 100–125 m (328–410 ft) in depth. The East Australian Current can carry eggs and larvae away from the original spawning grounds, broadening the area in which blue mackerel are located. However, egg and larvae probability of surviving decreases the further they are carried by the current.^[7] A mature blue mackerel is considered to be over 31 cm (12 in) long.^[6] Mackerel can live up to 7 years and grow up to 50 cm (20 in) in length, but are most commonly found to be between 1 and 3 years of age.^[8]^[9] Counting the marks on otoliths determines the age of blue mackerel.^[9]

Human interactions

The blue mackerel can be flighty and difficult to catch, especially in estuaries and harbors. Blue mackerel are caught for both commercial and private use, for food as well as bait for tuna and other fish.^[10]

Blue mackerel are often used as cat food, but are also consumed by humans smoked, grilled, or broiled. While easy to fillet and skin, they are difficult to debone, and care must be taken to avoid damaging their soft flesh. Blue mackerel are also commonly used as meat binders. After being freeze-dried, the protein is extracted and put into other meat products to keep the meat and seasonings bound tightly together, allowing costs to be lowered and enhancing the flavor and texture of the product.^[11]

Local names

In Japanese, it is known as goma saba (胡麻鯖 sesame mackerel).^{[citation needed]}

References

^ Collette, B.; Acero, A.; Canales Ramirez, C.; Cardenas, G.; Carpenter, K.E.; Chang, S.-K.; Chiang, W.; Di Natale, A.; Fox, W.; Guzman-Mora, A.; Juan Jorda, M.; Miyabe, N.; Montano Cruz, R.; Nelson, R.; Salas, E.; Schaefer, K.; Serra, R.; Sun, C.; Uozumi, Y.; Wang, S.; Wu, J.; Yanez, E.; Yeh, S. (2011). "Scomber australasicus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2011: e.T170329A6750490. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2011-2.RLTS.T170329A6750490.en. Retrieved 19 November 2021.
^ ^a ^b ^c Tzeng, C.-H.; Chen, C.-S.; Tang, P.-C.; Chiu, T.-S. (2009). "Microsatellite and mitochondrial haplotype differentiation in blue mackerel (Scomber australasicus) from the western North Pacific". ICES Journal of Marine Science. 66 (5): 816–825. doi:10.1093/icesjms/fsp120.
^ "Blue Mackerel". Amalgameted marketing. Archived from the original on 2015-01-13. Retrieved 2015-02-16.
^ ^a ^b ^c Studholme; Packer; Berrien; Johnson; Zetlin & Morse (September 1999). Atlantic Mackerel, Life History and Habitat Characteristics. U.S. Department of Commerce.
^ Pankhurst, Neville W. (1989). "The relationship of ocular morphology to feeding modes and activity periods in shallow marine teleosts from New Zealand". Environmental Biology of Fishes. 26 (3): 201–211. doi:10.1007/BF00004816.
^ ^a ^b Yukami, Ryuji; Ohshimo, Seiji; Yoda, Mari; Hiyama, Yoshiaki (2008). "Estimation of the spawning grounds of chub mackerel Scomber japonicus and spotted mackerel Scomber australasicus in the East China Sea based on catch statistics and biometric data". Fisheries Science. 75 (1): 167–174. doi:10.1007/s12562-008-0015-7.
^ Neira, Francisco J.; Keane, John P. (2008). "Ichthyoplankton-based spawning dynamics of blue mackerel (Scomber australasicus) in south-eastern Australia: links to the East Australian Current" (PDF). Fisheries Oceanography. 17 (4): 281–298. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2419.2008.00479.x.
^ "Blue Mackerel" (PDF). Wild Fisheries Research Program. I&INSW. Archived from the original (PDF) on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 10 February 2015.
^ ^a ^b Stewart, John; Ferrell, Douglas J. (2001). "Age, growth, and commercial landings of yellowtail scad (Trachurus novaezelandiae) and blue mackerel (Scomber australasicus) off the coast of New South Wales, Australia". New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research. 35 (3): 541–551. doi:10.1080/00288330.2001.9517021.
^ "Blue Mackerel" (PDF). Wild Fisheries Research Program. I&INSW. Archived from the original (PDF) on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 12 February 2015.
^ Chung, Yun-Chin; Ho, Ming-Long; Chyan, Fu-Lin; Jiang, Shann-Tzong (2000). "Utilization of freeze-dried mackerel (Scomber australasicus) muscle proteins as a binder in restructured meat". Fisheries Science. 66 (1): 130–135. doi:10.1046/j.1444-2906.2000.00019.x.

External links

"Scomber australasicus". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved 18 April 2006.
Froese, Rainer; Pauly, Daniel (eds.) (2006). "Scomber australasicus" in FishBase. March 2006 version.
Fitch JE (1956) "Pacific mackerel" Archived 2015-06-21 at the Wayback Machine CalCOFI Reports, 5 29–32.
Tony Ayling & Geoffrey Cox, Collins Guide to the Sea Fishes of New Zealand, (William Collins Publishers Ltd., Auckland, New Zealand 1982) ISBN 0-00-216987-8
California Department of Fish & Game, "California Finfish and Shellfish Identification Book" (University of California Press 2007)ISBN 0-9722291-1-6

[iucn_status_19_November_2021-1] Collette, B.; Acero, A.; Canales Ramirez, C.; Cardenas, G.; Carpenter, K.E.; Chang, S.-K.; Chiang, W.; Di Natale, A.; Fox, W.; Guzman-Mora, A.; Juan Jorda, M.; Miyabe, N.; Montano Cruz, R.; Nelson, R.; Salas, E.; Schaefer, K.; Serra, R.; Sun, C.; Uozumi, Y.; Wang, S.; Wu, J.; Yanez, E.; Yeh, S. (2011). "Scomber australasicus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2011: e.T170329A6750490. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2011-2.RLTS.T170329A6750490.en. Retrieved 19 November 2021.

[Tzeng-2] Tzeng, C.-H.; Chen, C.-S.; Tang, P.-C.; Chiu, T.-S. (2009). "Microsatellite and mitochondrial haplotype differentiation in blue mackerel (Scomber australasicus) from the western North Pacific". ICES Journal of Marine Science. 66 (5): 816–825. doi:10.1093/icesjms/fsp120.

[Amalgameted-3] "Blue Mackerel". Amalgameted marketing. Archived from the original on 2015-01-13. Retrieved 2015-02-16.

[Studholme-4] Studholme; Packer; Berrien; Johnson; Zetlin & Morse (September 1999). Atlantic Mackerel, Life History and Habitat Characteristics. U.S. Department of Commerce.

[Pankhurst-5] Pankhurst, Neville W. (1989). "The relationship of ocular morphology to feeding modes and activity periods in shallow marine teleosts from New Zealand". Environmental Biology of Fishes. 26 (3): 201–211. doi:10.1007/BF00004816.

[Yukami-6] Yukami, Ryuji; Ohshimo, Seiji; Yoda, Mari; Hiyama, Yoshiaki (2008). "Estimation of the spawning grounds of chub mackerel Scomber japonicus and spotted mackerel Scomber australasicus in the East China Sea based on catch statistics and biometric data". Fisheries Science. 75 (1): 167–174. doi:10.1007/s12562-008-0015-7.

[Neira-7] Neira, Francisco J.; Keane, John P. (2008). "Ichthyoplankton-based spawning dynamics of blue mackerel (Scomber australasicus) in south-eastern Australia: links to the East Australian Current" (PDF). Fisheries Oceanography. 17 (4): 281–298. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2419.2008.00479.x.

[Wild_Fisheries-8] "Blue Mackerel" (PDF). Wild Fisheries Research Program. I&INSW. Archived from the original (PDF) on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 10 February 2015.

[Stewart-9] Stewart, John; Ferrell, Douglas J. (2001). "Age, growth, and commercial landings of yellowtail scad (Trachurus novaezelandiae) and blue mackerel (Scomber australasicus) off the coast of New South Wales, Australia". New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research. 35 (3): 541–551. doi:10.1080/00288330.2001.9517021.

[10] "Blue Mackerel" (PDF). Wild Fisheries Research Program. I&INSW. Archived from the original (PDF) on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 12 February 2015.

[Chung-11] Chung, Yun-Chin; Ho, Ming-Long; Chyan, Fu-Lin; Jiang, Shann-Tzong (2000). "Utilization of freeze-dried mackerel (Scomber australasicus) muscle proteins as a binder in restructured meat". Fisheries Science. 66 (1): 130–135. doi:10.1046/j.1444-2906.2000.00019.x.

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@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
+{{Short description|Species of fish}}
 {{Speciesbox
  | image = GomaSB.jpg
  | status = LC
  | status_system = IUCN3.1
- | status_ref = <ref name = IUCN>{{cite journal | author1 = Collette, B. | author2 = Acero, A. | author3 = Canales Ramirez, C. | author4 = Cardenas, G. | author5 = Carpenter, K.E. | author6 = Chang, S.-K. | author7 = Chiang, W. | author8 = Di Natale, A. | author9 = Fox, W. | author10 = Guzman-Mora, A. | author11 = Juan Jorda, M. | author12 = Miyabe, N. | author13 = Montano Cruz, R. | author14 = Nelson, R. | author15 = Salas, E. | author16 = Schaefer, K. | author17 = Serra, R. | author18 = Sun, C. | author19 = Uozumi, Y. | author20 = Wang, S. | author21 = Wu, J. | author22 = Yanez, E.  | author23 = Yeh, S. | display-authors= 3 | year = 2011 | title = ''Scomber australasicus'' | journal = [[The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species]] | volume = 2011 | page = e.T170329A6750490 | doi = 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2011-2.RLTS.T170329A6750490.en }}</ref>
+ | status_ref = <ref name="iucn status 19 November 2021">{{cite iucn |author=Collette, B. |author2=Acero, A. |author3=Canales Ramirez, C. |author4=Cardenas, G. |author5=Carpenter, K.E. |author6=Chang, S.-K. |author7=Chiang, W. |author8=Di Natale, A. |author9=Fox, W. |author10=Guzman-Mora, A. |author11=Juan Jorda, M. |author12=Miyabe, N. |author13=Montano Cruz, R. |author14=Nelson, R. |author15=Salas, E. |author16=Schaefer, K. |author17=Serra, R. |author18=Sun, C. |author19=Uozumi, Y. |author20=Wang, S. |author21=Wu, J. |author22=Yanez, E. |author23=Yeh, S. |date=2011 |title=''Scomber australasicus'' |volume=2011 |page=e.T170329A6750490 |doi=10.2305/IUCN.UK.2011-2.RLTS.T170329A6750490.en |access-date=19 November 2021}}</ref>
  | taxon = Scomber australasicus
  | authority  = [[Georges Cuvier|Cuvier]], 1832
-| synonyms = *''Scomber tapeinocephalus'' <small>[[Peiter Bleeker|Bleeker]], 1854</small>
+| synonyms = *''Scomber tapeinocephalus'' <small>[[Pieter Bleeker|Bleeker]], 1854</small>
 *''Scomber antarcticus'' <small>[[Francis de Laporte de Castelnau|Castelnau]], 1872</small>
 }}
-The '''blue mackerel''' (''Scomber australasicus''),  also called '''Japanese mackerel''', '''Pacific mackerel''', '''slimy mackerel''' or '''spotted chub mackerel''', is a fish of the [[family (biology)|family]] [[Scombridae]], found in tropical and subtropical waters of the [[Pacific Ocean]] from [[Japan]] south to [[Australia]] and [[New Zealand]], in the eastern [[Pacific]] ([[Hawaii]] and [[Socorro Island]], [[Mexico]]), and the [[Indo-West Pacific]]: the [[Red Sea]], the [[Persian Gulf]], the [[Gulf of Oman]] and the [[Gulf of Aden]], in surface waters down to {{convert|200|m|ft|abbr=on}}. In Japanese, it is known as'' goma saba'' (胡麻鯖 sesame mackerel). It typically reaches {{convert|30|cm|in|abbr=on}} in length and {{convert|1.4|kg|lbs|abbr=on}} in weight.
+The '''blue mackerel''' ('''''Scomber australasicus'''''),  also called '''Japanese mackerel''', '''Pacific mackerel''', '''slimy mackerel''' or '''spotted chub mackerel''', is a fish of the [[family (biology)|family]] [[Scombridae]]. It typically reaches {{convert|30|cm|in|abbr=on}} in length and {{convert|1.4|kg|lbs|abbr=on}} in weight.
 == Description ==
-Blue mackerel are often mistaken for chub mackerel. In fact, blue mackerel were believed to be a subspecies of chub mackerel until the late 1980s. Though they are both in the same genus (''Scomber''), blue mackerel set themselves apart by differing structural genes than those of the chub mackerel.<ref name=Tzeng /> Other, more obvious, characteristics set these two apart, like the longer anal spine of the blue mackerel, and the amount of the first dorsal spines.<ref name=Tzeng /> Mackerels have a round body that narrows into the tail after the second dorsal fin, similar to a tuna fish.<ref name=Amalgameted>{{cite web |title=Blue Mackerel |url=http://www.amalmark.co.nz/blue-mackerel.html |publisher=Amalgameted marketing}}</ref>
+Blue mackerel are often mistaken for [[chub mackerel]]. In fact, blue mackerel were believed to be a subspecies of chub mackerel until the late 1980s. Though they are both in the same genus (''Scomber''), blue mackerel set themselves apart by differing structural genes than those of the chub mackerel.<ref name=Tzeng /> Other, more obvious, characteristics set these two apart, like the longer anal spine of the blue mackerel, and the amount of spines on the first [[dorsal fin]].<ref name=Tzeng /> Mackerels have a round body that narrows into the tail after the second dorsal fin, similar to a [[tuna]] fish.<ref name=Amalgameted>{{cite web |title=Blue Mackerel |url=http://www.amalmark.co.nz/blue-mackerel.html |publisher=Amalgameted marketing |access-date=2015-02-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150113055325/http://www.amalmark.co.nz/blue-mackerel.html |archive-date=2015-01-13 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
 == Distribution and habitat ==
+[[File:Range Scomber australasicus.png|thumb|Range Scomber australasicus]]
-Throughout the lives of these mackerel, they tend to stay in areas within a few degrees of {{convert|10|C|F|abbr=on}}<ref name=Studholme>{{cite book|author=Studholme|author2=Packer|author3=Berrien|author4=Johnson|author5= Zetlin|author6=Morse|last-author-amp=yes|title=Atlantic Mackerel, Life History and Habitat Characteristics|date=September 1999|publisher=U.S. Department of Commerce}}</ref> in tropical to subtropical waters.<ref name=Tzeng>{{cite journal |last1=Tzeng |first1=C.-H. |last2=Chen |first2=C.-S. |last3=Tang |first3=P.-C. |last4=Chiu |first4=T.-S. |year=2009 |title=Microsatellite and mitochondrial haplotype differentiation in blue mackerel (''Scomber australasicus'') from the western North Pacific |journal=ICES Journal of Marine Science |volume=66 |issue=5 |pages=816–825 |doi=10.1093/icesjms/fsp120}}</ref> Off the east coast of North America, populations of mackerel have grown to over 2 million after being depleted in 1982.<ref name=Studholme /> Blue mackerels can be found from the coast of North America, and as far as Australia and Japan.
+The blue mackerel is found in tropical and subtropical waters of the [[Pacific Ocean]] from [[Japan]] south to [[Australia]] and [[New Zealand]], in the eastern [[Pacific]] ([[Hawaii]] and [[Socorro Island]], [[Mexico]]), and the [[Indo-West Pacific]]: the [[Red Sea]], the [[Persian Gulf]], the [[Gulf of Oman]] and the [[Gulf of Aden]], in surface waters down to {{convert|200|m|ft|abbr=on}}.{{Cn|date=March 2024}}
+Throughout the lives of these mackerel, they tend to stay in areas within a few degrees of {{convert|10|C|F|abbr=on}}<ref name=Studholme>{{cite book|author=Studholme|author2=Packer|author3=Berrien|author4=Johnson|author5= Zetlin|author6=Morse|name-list-style=amp|title=Atlantic Mackerel, Life History and Habitat Characteristics|date=September 1999|publisher=U.S. Department of Commerce}}</ref> in [[tropical]] to [[subtropical]] waters.<ref name=Tzeng>{{cite journal |last1=Tzeng |first1=C.-H. |last2=Chen |first2=C.-S. |last3=Tang |first3=P.-C. |last4=Chiu |first4=T.-S. |year=2009 |title=Microsatellite and mitochondrial haplotype differentiation in blue mackerel (''Scomber australasicus'') from the western North Pacific |journal=ICES Journal of Marine Science |volume=66 |issue=5 |pages=816–825 |doi=10.1093/icesjms/fsp120|doi-access=free }}</ref> Off the east coast of North America, populations of mackerel have grown to over 2 million after being depleted in 1982.<ref name=Studholme /> Blue mackerels can be found from the coast of North America, and as far as Australia and Japan.{{Cn|date=March 2024}}
 == Biology and ecology ==
@@ Line 22: / Line 26: @@
 === Lifespan ===
-Incubation periods range from 3 to 8 days, growing shorter with warmer temperatures and longer with colder.<ref name=Studholme /> In the East China Sea, blue mackerel spawn between February and May, when the water temperatures are ideal.<ref name=Yukami>{{cite journal |last1=Yukami |first1=Ryuji |last2=Ohshimo |first2=Seiji |last3=Yoda |first3=Mari |last4=Hiyama |first4=Yoshiaki |year=2008 |title=Estimation of the spawning grounds of chub mackerel ''Scomber japonicus'' and spotted mackerel ''Scomber australasicus'' in the East China Sea based on catch statistics and biometric data |journal=Fisheries Science |volume=75 |issue=1 |pages=167–174 |doi=10.1007/s12562-008-0015-7}}</ref> In New South Wales, most spawning occurs {{convert|10|km|mi|abbr=on}} offshore in waters {{convert|100|-|125|m|ft|abbr=on}} in depth. The Eastern Australian Current can carry eggs and larvae away from the original spawning grounds, broadening the area in which blue mackerel are located. However, egg and larvae probability of surviving decreases the further they are carried by the current.<ref name=Neira>{{cite journal|last1=Neira |first1=Francisco J. |last2=Keane |first2=John P. |year=2008 |title=Ichthyoplankton-based spawning dynamics of blue mackerel (''Scomber australasicus'') in south-eastern Australia: links to the East Australian Current |journal=Fisheries Oceanography |volume=17 |issue=4 |pages=281–298 |doi=10.1111/j.1365-2419.2008.00479.x}}</ref> A mature blue mackerel is considered to be over {{convert|31|cm|in|abbr=on}} long.<ref name=Yukami/> Mackerel can live up to 7 years and grow up to {{convert|50|cm|in|abbr=on}} in length, but are most commonly found to be between 1 and 3 years of age.<ref name="Wild Fisheries">{{cite web|title=Blue Mackerel|url=http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/375859/Blue-Mackerel.pdf|website=Wild Fisheries Research Program|publisher=I&INSW|accessdate=10 February 2015}}</ref><ref name=Stewart>{{cite journal |last1=Stewart |first1=John |last2=Ferrell |first2=Douglas J. |year=2001 |title=Age, growth, and commercial landings of yellowtail scad (''Trachurus novaezelandiae'') and blue mackerel (''Scomber australasicus'') off the coast of New South Wales, Australia |journal=New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research |volume=35 |issue=3 |pages=541–551 |doi=10.1080/00288330.2001.9517021}}</ref> Counting the marks on otoliths determines the age of blue mackerel.<ref name=Stewart/>
+Incubation periods range from 3 to 8 days, growing shorter with warmer temperatures and longer with colder.<ref name=Studholme /> In the [[East China Sea]], blue mackerel spawn between February and May, when the water temperatures are ideal.<ref name=Yukami>{{cite journal |last1=Yukami |first1=Ryuji |last2=Ohshimo |first2=Seiji |last3=Yoda |first3=Mari |last4=Hiyama |first4=Yoshiaki |year=2008 |title=Estimation of the spawning grounds of chub mackerel ''Scomber japonicus'' and spotted mackerel ''Scomber australasicus'' in the East China Sea based on catch statistics and biometric data |journal=Fisheries Science |volume=75 |issue=1 |pages=167–174 |doi=10.1007/s12562-008-0015-7}}</ref> In [[New South Wales]], most spawning occurs {{convert|10|km|mi|abbr=on}} offshore in waters {{convert|100|-|125|m|ft|abbr=on}} in depth. The [[East Australian Current]] can carry eggs and larvae away from the original spawning grounds, broadening the area in which blue mackerel are located. However, egg and larvae probability of surviving decreases the further they are carried by the current.<ref name=Neira>{{cite journal|last1=Neira |first1=Francisco J. |last2=Keane |first2=John P. |year=2008 |title=Ichthyoplankton-based spawning dynamics of blue mackerel (''Scomber australasicus'') in south-eastern Australia: links to the East Australian Current |journal=Fisheries Oceanography |volume=17 |issue=4 |pages=281–298 |doi=10.1111/j.1365-2419.2008.00479.x|url=https://eprints.utas.edu.au/7473/1/Neira_Keane_2008_fog_479.pdf }}</ref> A mature blue mackerel is considered to be over {{convert|31|cm|in|abbr=on}} long.<ref name=Yukami/> Mackerel can live up to 7 years and grow up to {{convert|50|cm|in|abbr=on}} in length, but are most commonly found to be between 1 and 3 years of age.<ref name="Wild Fisheries">{{cite web|title=Blue Mackerel|url=http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/375859/Blue-Mackerel.pdf|website=Wild Fisheries Research Program|publisher=I&INSW|accessdate=10 February 2015|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304094938/http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/375859/Blue-Mackerel.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=Stewart>{{cite journal |last1=Stewart |first1=John |last2=Ferrell |first2=Douglas J. |year=2001 |title=Age, growth, and commercial landings of yellowtail scad (''Trachurus novaezelandiae'') and blue mackerel (''Scomber australasicus'') off the coast of New South Wales, Australia |journal=New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research |volume=35 |issue=3 |pages=541–551 |doi=10.1080/00288330.2001.9517021|doi-access=free }}</ref> Counting the marks on [[otolith]]s determines the age of blue mackerel.<ref name=Stewart/>
 ==Human interactions==
+[[File:Scomber australasicus Java.jpg|thumb|Blue mackerel caught off [[Java]]]]
-The blue mackerel can be flighty and difficult to catch, especially in estuaries and harbors. From 300 to 500 million tons of blue mackerel have been caught annually since the mid 1980s, without many fluctuations from month-to-month catches. Blue mackerel are caught for both commercial and private use, for food as well as bait for tuna and other fish.<ref>{{cite web|title=Blue Mackerel|url=http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/375859/Blue-Mackerel.pdf|website=Wild Fisheries Research Program|publisher=I&INSW|accessdate=12 February 2015}}</ref>
+The blue mackerel can be flighty and difficult to catch, especially in estuaries and harbors. Blue mackerel are caught for both commercial and private use, for food as well as bait for tuna and other fish.<ref>{{cite web|title=Blue Mackerel|url=http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/375859/Blue-Mackerel.pdf|website=Wild Fisheries Research Program|publisher=I&INSW|accessdate=12 February 2015|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304094938/http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/375859/Blue-Mackerel.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>
+Blue mackerel are often used as [[cat food]], but are also consumed by humans smoked, grilled, or broiled. While easy to fillet and skin, they are difficult to debone, and care must be taken to avoid damaging their soft flesh. Blue mackerel are also commonly used as meat binders. After being freeze-dried, the protein is extracted and put into other meat products to keep the meat and seasonings bound tightly together, allowing costs to be lowered and enhancing the flavor and texture of the product.<ref name=Chung>{{cite journal |last1=Chung |first1=Yun-Chin |last2=Ho |first2=Ming-Long |last3=Chyan |first3=Fu-Lin |last4=Jiang |first4=Shann-Tzong |year=2000 |title=Utilization of freeze-dried mackerel (''Scomber australasicus'') muscle proteins as a binder in restructured meat |journal=Fisheries Science |volume=66 |issue=1 |pages=130–135 |doi=10.1046/j.1444-2906.2000.00019.x|doi-access=free }}</ref>
+===Local names===
-Blue mackerel are often used as cat food, but are also consumed by humans smoked, grilled, or broiled. While easy to fillet and skin, they are difficult to debone, and care must be taken to avoid damaging their soft flesh. Blue mackerel are also commonly used as meat binders. After being freeze-dried, the protein is extracted and put into other meat products to keep the meat and seasonings bound tightly together, allowing costs to be lowered and enhancing the flavor and texture of the product.<ref name=Chung>{{cite journal |last1=Chung |first1=Yun-Chin |last2=Ho |first2=Ming-Long |last3=Chyan |first3=Fu-Lin |last4=Jiang |first4=Shann-Tzong |year=2000 |title=Utilization of freeze-dried mackerel (''Scomber australasicus'') muscle proteins as a binder in restructured meat |journal=Fisheries Science |volume=66 |issue=1 |pages=130–135 |doi=10.1046/j.1444-2906.2000.00019.x}}</ref>
+In Japanese, it is known as'' goma saba'' (胡麻鯖 sesame mackerel).{{Cn|date=March 2024}}
 == References ==
@@ Line 35: / Line 43: @@
 * {{ITIS |id=172415 |taxon=Scomber australasicus |accessdate=18 April 2006}}
 * {{FishBase | genus = Scomber | species = australasicus | month = March | year = 2006}}
-* Fitch JE (1956) [http://www.calcofi.org/publications/calcofireports/v05/Vol_05_Pacific_Mackerel_Fitch.pdf "Pacific mackerel"] ''CalCOFI Reports'', '''5''' 29–32.
+* Fitch JE (1956) [http://www.calcofi.org/publications/calcofireports/v05/Vol_05_Pacific_Mackerel_Fitch.pdf "Pacific mackerel"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150621165535/http://www.calcofi.org/publications/calcofireports/v05/Vol_05_Pacific_Mackerel_Fitch.pdf |date=2015-06-21 }} ''CalCOFI Reports'', '''5''' 29–32.
 * Tony Ayling & Geoffrey Cox, ''Collins Guide to the Sea Fishes of New Zealand'',  (William Collins Publishers Ltd., Auckland, New Zealand 1982) {{ISBN|0-00-216987-8}}
 * California Department of Fish & Game, "California Finfish and Shellfish Identification Book" (University of California Press 2007){{ISBN|0-9722291-1-6}}
@@ Line 42: / Line 50: @@
 {{Taxonbar|from=Q1194328}}
-{{DEFAULTSORT:mackerel, blue}}
 [[Category:Scomber|blue mackerel]]
 [[Category:Fish of the Pacific Ocean]]
-[[Category:Fish of the Indian Ocean]]
 [[Category:Fish of Japan]]
 [[Category:Fish of the Red Sea]]
@@ Line 51: / Line 57: @@
 [[Category:Fish of Oceania]]
 [[Category:Fish described in 1832|blue mackerel]]
+[[Category:Taxa named by Georges Cuvier|blue mackerel]]