Horse Mackerel Trachurus trachurus
The Horse Mackerel (Trachurus trachurus) – also known as the Scad – is a shoaling pelagic fish of open Atlantic and North Sea waters, superficially resembling true mackerel but distinguished by its prominent lateral line of bony scutes. It is regularly encountered in Suffolk's offshore and inshore waters, particularly during summer and autumn, and is frequently caught by anglers alongside mackerel from boats and beaches. Though less prized as a food fish in Britain than in southern Europe, it plays an important ecological role as both predator and prey in the pelagic food web of the North Sea. Image: © João Pedro Silva, iNaturalist.
Find out more: iNaturalist, Marine Life Information Centre
Suffolk’s Priority Marine Life Species
Key
Listed as a conservation priority in Suffolk’s Biodiversity Action Plan.
Closely associated with Suffolk’s landscape and natural identity.
Identified as a key priority for recovery under Suffolk’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy.
Has a Species of the Month article attached.
