Horse mackerel
Introduction: Horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus) are also known as maasbanker or scad. They are regularly preyed upon by dolphins, tuna and sea birds. They prefer cooler coastal waters from the surface to a depth of 400m. Shoals feed at night and head to the ocean bottom during the day. Trachurus means 'rough tail'. Maasbanker is a Dutch name for a similar freshwater fish that inhabits the shallow banks of the River Maas in Holland.
Distribution: From the Orange River north to Luderitz, Sandwich Harbour, Walvis Bay and Swakopmund, Terrace Bay and along the Skeleton Coast.
Diet: Krill, mysids and amphipods.
Colouration: Overall silver with olive-green to grey above and white below.
Breeding: Sexual maturity is achieved at the age of 3 years. Spawning occurs from late winter to spring, sheltering below very large jellyfish during their first few months.
Max size: 70cm
Max weight: 1.4kg
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