Overview
The Spotted Mackerel is one of the most popular pelagic species along Australia's east coast. Incredibly fast and aggressive, it attacks any fast-moving lure. Arrives in large schools during autumn and winter, creating a fishing frenzy.
Identification
Elongated bodyWidely spaced dorsal finsSpotted colorationSharp teethSmall pectoral finsWell-defined tail lobes
- Body
- Streamlined and tapered body built for speed.
- Colouration
- Silver with dark spots along the body.
- Sexual dimorphism
- Absent or not pronounced
- Growth
- Rapid, especially in early years.
Taxonomy
- Family
- Scombridae
- Order
- Perciformes
- Class
- Actinopterygii
Related species
Scomberomorus commersonScomberomorus guttatusScomberomorus cavallaScomberomorus concolorScomberomorus brasiliensis
Habitat & distribution
- Environment
- coast, pelagic
- Preferred bottom
- reef, sand
- Geographic distribution
- Found mainly along the eastern coast of Australia, from Queensland to New South Wales.
- Micro-habitat
- Tends to stay in schools in open sea, often near coral reefs and sandy shores.
Well adapted to various pelagic and coastal environments.
Presence by sea area
Au Gbr CentroPeak
Au Gbr SudPeak
Au Costa Est TemperataPeak
Diet
- Primary prey
- minnows, crustaceans, squids
- Secondary prey
- anchovies, sardines, benthic crustaceans
- Occasional prey
- plankton, shrimp
- Feeding behaviour
- Opportunistic hunter, swiftly pursuing schools of small fish.
- Natural predators
- sharks, large pelagics, seabirds
Tends to hunt in areas with high densities of small prey.
Behaviour
- Activity
- diurnal
- Social behaviour
- large_schools
- Aggressiveness
- high
- Migration
- Seasonal migrations between feeding and breeding grounds.
- Seasonal behaviour
- Highly active in fall and winter, forming large schools near the coast.
- Juveniles
- Gather in large schools nearshore for protection.
- Adults
- Part of large schools that move to hunt efficiently.
Reproduction
- Spawning season
- June, July, August
- Spawning depth
- Between 20 and 60 meters
- Eggs
- Pelagic eggs, small and transparent.
- Larval stage
- Larvae are pelagic, with fast fin development for swimming.
- Sexual maturity
- 2-3 years
When to catch Spotted Mackerel
Activity calendar
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
PeakGoodLowInactive
Activity by season
Best times
DayDawn, Morning
Night—
This species shows peak fishing activity in spring, summer and autumn, when the productivity index (FPI) reaches its highest values.
Fishing activity decreases in winter, when conditions are less favourable.
Ideal conditions
Water temperature
10°COptimal zone: 14-24°C27°C
Preferred tide: moving
Where to catch it
Best spots
near coral reefsclose to bayscoastal watershigh current areas
Bottom preference
Spot type
Fishing techniques
Recommended
fast spinningtrollingbottom fishingjigging
Other applicable
SpinningTrolling OceanicoBeach FishingLight JiggingPesca A Mosca In MarePoppingSabiki RigsShore JiggingShore Jigging LeggeroSpinning LeggeroSpinning MedioSpinning UltraleggeroSpinning VeloceStreamerSurfcastingSurfcasting LeggeroTraina Costiera
Recommended baits
metal lureslive baitssquid stripssurface and midwater artificials
Baits by pressure
Low
Cucchiaino casting (gold/silver)Metal jig leggero (20-40g)Minnow affondanteSabiki standardWire rig con esca vivaFeather jigJerkbait
Medium
Acciuga vivaSardina vivaSugarello vivoGambero vivoTrancio di sardina
High
Acciuga vivaCucchiaino casting (gold/silver)Metal jig leggero (20-40g)
Catch & handling tips
- Fight
- Strong fighter, known for long runs and jumps out of the water.
- Handling
- Use gloves to avoid cuts from sharp teeth.
- Release
- Avoid touching the gills, release quickly into the water.
Curiosities & culture
- Record catches
- The Australian spotted mackerel is a prized species for sport fishing in Southeast Asia and Australia. Record catches can reach 9 kg and exceed one meter in length. The most generous catches are mainly along the Queensland coast.
- In the kitchen
- Often grilled and served with light seasonings or citrus-based marinades.
- Cultural notes
- Important for sport fishing and valued for its tasty meat.
- Historical notes
- Australian Aborigines caught this species using spears and nets along the eastern coasts.
