Atka mackerel
📖 Overview
This species is found at the demersal zone and near surface over reefs and hard bottoms from intertidal zone to about 2.360 ft (719.8 m). It is preyed upon by other fishes, sea birds and marine mammals (Ref 114183).
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 21; Dorsal soft rays (total): 25 - 29; Anal spines: 1; Anal soft rays: 24 - 26; Vertebrae: 59 - 60. Adults with 5 broad blackish bands on body .: fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Atka mackerel is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Atka mackerel is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Spawns twice a year . Eggs are deposited in rock crevices and are guarded by the male who continuously fans the egg mass with his pectoral fin until hatching , which occurs after 40-45 days .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; demersal; depth range 0 - 720 m . Boreal; 64°N - 34°N, 130°E - 118°W North Pacific: between the middle Kuril Islands and Gulf of Alaska; including off the coast of Eastern Sakhalin, in the north of the Sea of Okhotsk, waters of Hokkaido, southern Kuril Is.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Atka mackerel is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 18.5 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 563 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Atka mackerel has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Atka mackerel |
| 🌍CES | hřebeník chutný |
| 🇫🇷French | Terpuga atka · maquereau d'Atka · maquereau d’Atka |
| 🇯🇵Japanese | Kitanohokke · キタノホッケ |
| 🇵🇱Polish | Terpuga alperka · terpuga okonik |
| 🇵🇹Portuguese | Lorcha-de-Atka |
| 🇷🇺Russian | Северный одноперый терпуг |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Labrax monopterygius | Pallas | 1810 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 4 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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