Pacific Mackerel

Scientific Name:
Scomber japonicus

Vernacular Names:
Es/Sp: Caballa del Pacífico, Macarela
Fr/Fr: Maquereau du Pacifique
In/En: Pacific mackerel, Pacific chub mackerel

Local Names:
Mexico: Caballa
USA (West Coast): Pacific mackerel
Cuba: Macarela
Puerto Rico: Macarela
Venezuela: Caballa

Commercial Names: Pacific mackerel, Pacific chub mackerel

Simile of International Trade: Widely distributed coastal pelagic species, moderately traded for food and bait

Fishing Season: Harvested year-round, with higher availability during warmer months

Geographical Distribution: Eastern North Pacific Ocean: From southeastern Alaska to Mexico, most common south of Point Conception, California. Also found from Panama to southern Chile along the Pacific coast.

Habitat and Biology: Pelagic, schooling species living within 20 miles of shore, in water temperatures between 10°C and 22°C (50°F to 72°F).

Length: Commonly ranges from 30 cm to 55 cm (12–22 in), with maximum recorded length about 64 cm (25 in).