Mackerel are diverse pelagic fish, predominantly from the Scombridae family, found in temperate and tropical oceans worldwide. These abundant fish form large schools and are a significant food source within marine ecosystems, contributing to the oceanic food web.
Fish Predators of Mackerel
Numerous larger fish species prey on mackerel. Large predatory fish such as tuna (Atlantic Bluefin, Yellowfin, Skipjack) frequently hunt mackerel schools. Marlin and other billfish also pursue mackerel, relying on their schooling behavior for sustenance.
Sharks are another prominent group, with various species targeting them. Mackerel sharks, including Porbeagle, Salmon, Great White, Mako, and Thresher sharks, feed on mackerel. Blue sharks and Sand Tiger sharks also include mackerel in their diets. These powerful predators often use their speed to attack schools; some, like the Thresher shark, employ their long tails to stun prey.
Other fish like Atlantic cod and pollock also consume mackerel. Pollock are active predators that hunt small fish, including mackerel, throughout the water column. Mackerel are attractive prey due to their tendency to form dense schools and their high fat content, which provides a rich source of energy for their predators.
Beyond Fish Other Mackerel Predators
Predation on mackerel extends beyond fish to include marine mammals and seabirds. Marine mammals such as dolphins (common and bottlenose) are adept hunters, often employing cooperative strategies like herding mackerel into dense “bait balls” before feeding. Porpoises, seals, and larger whales (Orcas, Humpback, Fin, Minke) also incorporate mackerel into their diets.
Seabirds also consume mackerel, particularly when the fish are near the surface. Gannets, known for their plunge-diving technique, are effective predators. They dive from significant heights to stun and capture prey. Cormorants and various gulls also prey on mackerel, often taking advantage of feeding frenzies initiated by larger predators.
Mackerel’s Role as Prey
Mackerel hold a significant position within the marine food web, serving as a forage fish that links lower trophic levels to higher predators. They consume plankton and small crustaceans, then transfer that energy to larger animals that prey upon them. This role supports a broad array of marine life, including the diverse predators that hunt them.
The schooling behavior of mackerel, while a defensive mechanism against individual predation, makes them a concentrated and accessible food source for many predators. Their abundance and high content of omega-3 fatty acids make them an energy-rich meal, highly sought after by various species. The presence of healthy mackerel populations is important for maintaining the balance and biodiversity of ocean ecosystems.