Latin name

Scomberesox saurus

Other names

Atlantic saury, Sauri atlantik (albanian), Makreelgeep (dutch), Λουτσοζαργάνα (ljutsozargana) (greek), Paparda del Atlántico (spanish), Costardella (italian), Echsenhecht (german), Makrelosz (polish), Agulhao (portuguese), Scrumbioara de Atlantic (romanian), Proskok, Iglunić (serbian, croatian), Paščuka (slovenian), Zurna balığı (turkish), Balaou atlantique (french).

Identification

Representatives of this species are characterised by highly elongated beak-like jaws, very small teeth, elongated bodies and the presence of a number of additional small fins behind the dorsal and anal fins (as in tuna, mackerel and others).

Fish colouring

The back is blue-black. The sides are paler. The belly is silvery white. Fins are light brown. The dorsal fin is shifted towards the tail fin. Mouth large, jaws elongated.

Distribution

Found in the Atlantic Ocean in both the northern and southern hemispheres, reaching high numbers off the coast of Britain and in the Mediterranean. Occurs in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. 

Habitat

Held in the upper layers of water, usually near the surface. It is a migratory fish, moving to the coast in the summer and returning to deep water at the end of the year. 

Size

Adult size generally does not exceed 50 cm in length and 1 kg in body weight.

Behavior

They are gregarious and form dense schools.

Food and feeding habits

The fish are gregarious, feeding on zooplankton and fish larvae, and are preyed upon by tuna, marlin, bluefish and cod. 

Reproduction

Spawning occurs near the surface in the open sea. Eggs have attached filaments and are pelagic. Juveniles live in tropical mid-ocean waters; their jaws are relatively short at first, but lengthen as they grow.

Fishing

Commercial fish. It has an excellent taste and many useful properties.