Atlantic Mackerel

ocean fish · migration · speed · temperate waters

Shoal travelers. Atlantic mackerel swim together in huge groups called shoals, so many that they're considered extremely common across the Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea, and northern Atlantic Ocean.

Seasonal movers. These fish follow the temperature of the water like a compass. In warm months they stay close to shore near the surface, but when fall and winter arrive, they migrate far out into deeper, warmer southern waters.

Shallow zone hunters. Atlantic mackerel live in the epipelagic zone, which is the part of the ocean where sunlight reaches, typically down to about 200 meters (660 feet) deep.

Built for speed. Their sleek, streamlined body shape makes Atlantic mackerel powerful swimmers that can chase down smaller fish to eat in the open ocean.