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Animal profile

Atlantic Mackerel

Scomber scombrus

ActinopterygiiOpen shelf waters of the North Atlantic, in the upper water column, moving inshore and offshore seasonallyLeast Concern

Field profile

Atlantic mackerel is a streamlined, fast-swimming scombrid marked with wavy dark bars over an iridescent green-blue back. It has no swim bladder and must swim continuously. Its oily flesh spoils quickly, which shaped how it has historically been sold and preserved.

Scope note

This is an editorial profile, not a diagnostic field-identification guide or a substitute for current conservation assessments. Follow the cited sources on each fact for the evidence trail.

Published field notes

2026-08-18

Atlantic Mackerel

Atlantic mackerel have no swim bladder

Most bony fish carry a gas-filled float that holds them at depth without effort. Atlantic mackerel do not have one, so they must swim continuously to avoid sinking, and can change depth quickly without waiting for gas to equilibrate.

Read with evidence →

Atlantic Mackerel | Daily Animal Facts