Australian spotted mackerel
📖 Overview
Found more commonly in offshore, open waters away from reefs and shoals . 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 . Sometimes confused with S. niphonius.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 20 - 22; Dorsal soft rays (total): 17 - 20; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 17 - 19; Vertebrae: 50 - 52. 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.: fusiform / normal; Cross section: oval.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Australian spotted mackerel is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; pelagic-neritic; oceanodromous ; depth range ? - 100 m . Tropical; 6°S - 38°S, 110°E - 157°E central New South Wales; also occurring in southern Papua New Guinea from Kerema to Port Moresby.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🎣 Angling Guide
- heavy 30-80 lb class trolling rod
- conventional reel
- 80-130 lb wind-on leader
- temperature breaks
- floating debris
- current edges
- offshore seamounts
Use barbless hooks, minimise air exposure, and revive fish head-first in current before release.
⚠️ International management (ICCAT, WCPFC). Strict quotas and size limits.
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Australian spotted 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
Detailed nutritional data for Australian spotted mackerel is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Australian spotted mackerel has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (oily fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Australian seerfish · Australian spotted mackerel · Japanese Spanish Mackerel · Munro's Spanish Mackerel · Munro's Spanish-mackerel · Spotted Mackerel · Spotted Spanish Mackerel · Spotties · Spotty |
| 🇫🇷French | thazard Australien |
| 🇷🇺Russian | Австралийская пятнистая макрель |
| 🇪🇸Spanish | Carite Australiano · Sierra Moteada de Australia · cariet Australiano |
| 🇨🇳Chinese | 澳洲馬鮫 |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 10 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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