Australian Spotted Mackerel

Interpelvic process small and bifid. Lateral line gradually curving down toward caudal peduncle. Intestine with 2 folds and 3 limbs. Swim bladder absent. Body covered with small scales. Sides with several poorly defined rows of round spots, larger than pupil but smaller than eye diameter. The inner surface of the pectoral fin is dark blue, the cheeks and belly silvery white, the anal fin and anal finlets light silvery gray, and the dorsal fin black, bright steely blue when fresh.

Oceanodromous. Migrating within oceans typically between spawning and different feeding areas, as tunas do. Migrations should be cyclical and predictable and cover more than 100 km.

Dorsal spines (total): 20 - 22; Dorsal soft rays (total): 17 - 20; Analspines: 0; Analsoft rays: 17 - 19; Vertebrae: 50 - 52

Found more commonly in offshore, open waters away from reefs and shoals (Ref. 30199). Spotted mackerel are a continental shelf pelagic schooling species preferring the clear oceanic-influenced waters (Ref. 30572). Juvenile fish have the same distribution as adults (Ref. 30572).

Found more commonly in offshore, open waters away from reefs and shoals (Ref. 30199). Form large schools which move close inshore along the coast of Queensland, commonly taken between December and April or May. Feed largely on fishes, particularly anchovies and sardines with smaller quantities of shrimps and squids. Common fork length ranges between 50 to 80 cm (Ref. 168). Sometimes confused with S. niphonius.

fisheries: commercial; gamefish: yes