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FISH GUIDE · Sea

Mediterranean horse mackerel: identification, habitat and fishing guide

Trachurus mediterraneus

When looking for Mediterranean horse mackerel, think first about the level in the water. A shoal may pass near the bottom or beneath the surface. This guide suggests a light approach inspired by horse-mackerel fishing reports in general; these practices are not specific trials for Trachurus mediterraneus.

Catalogue names : Mediterranean horse mackerel. Forms and names may vary between habitats.

Editorial review : · This species guide is not permission to fish. Read the precautions below and check the current rules for your location before targeting a species. Some species or populations are protected.

Geographical distribution

Found from the Bay of Biscay to Mauritania, in the Black Sea and especially the western and central Mediterranean according to DORIS; presence is not treated as uniform throughout the Mediterranean basin.

  • Documented presence : Northeast Atlantic
  • Documented presence : Western Mediterranean
  • Documented presence : Central Mediterranean
  • Documented presence : Black Sea

Documented areas, not an exhaustive list. Presence in a region does not imply presence in every water body or permission to fish.

Distribution sources

Identification

Trachurus mediterraneus is a slender, silvery fish with a yellowish tail. The lateral line bends and carries bony plates towards the rear. Also observe the accessory line near the back: it ends at the beginning of the second dorsal fin, earlier than in Atlantic horse mackerel.

Habitat

It swims in shoals in open water, in the Mediterranean and part of the eastern Atlantic. It may use several levels of the water column; a rocky bottom beneath the line therefore does not mean the lure should scrape it.

Diet

Mainly fish, especially sardines and anchovies; also small crustaceans, on which young fish feed.

Behaviour

It hunts small fish and crustaceans. Movements of the shoal may explain a succession of bites followed by a sudden silence.

Indicative biological size

Around 30 cm on average according to DORIS; a descriptive indication.

Fishing context and precautions

  1. At a clear, permitted spot, rig a small slender soft lure on a jig head compatible with your rod. Choose a weight that keeps you in contact, without automatically seeking the lightest one.
  2. Let it sink while following the line, then explore a layer with small pulls and pauses. This method comes from horse-mackerel fishing reports; its precise relevance to Mediterranean horse mackerel still needs local confirmation.
  3. Start again at another level if nothing happens. During descents, watch for an unusual interruption in the line; set the hook gently when a bite is confirmed, without a large rod movement.
  4. Bring the fish to the net using a progressive drag. Note the approximate level of the bite to try a comparable pass, then stop fishing if catches become too difficult to unhook properly.

A distinctive feature

Larvae and young fish sometimes shelter beneath jellyfish bells.

Sources and review

Each reference includes its access date. Overall editorial review: . Local conditions and regulations may change.

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