Chub mackerel

Biology

The chub mackerel, like tunas, swims fast and incessantly, and as such is capable of making large migrations. In fact, its fusiform (spindle-shaped) and quite muscular body with rigid fins that function as veritable keels, is perfectly adapted to this type of life. It is a schooling fish that spends the day close to the bottom to avoid predators. During the night it ascends to the surface to feed.

Conservation

Overexploitation from commercial fishing is the primary threat.

Curiosities

In China, the chub mackerel is used for medicinal purposes. The biggest chub mackerel caught was 64 centimetres long and weighted two kilogrammes.