The Short Mackerel fish is a species of mackerel in the family Scombridae.
It is known by some other names such as Shortbodied Mackerel, Maquereau Trapu, Caballa Rechoncha, Rastrelliger brachysoma and Pla thu.
It is mainly found in the shallow waters of Southeast Asia and Melanesia. And the fish is of major importance in the fisheries industry.
Catches of the Short Mackerel fish are generally either recorded as Rastrelliger spp. or combined with R. kanagurta.
This fish species is the most important commercial species of mackerel in the Philippines. It is caught throughout the year with native purse seines and fish corrals in Manila Bay.
The Short Mackerel fish is generally sold at market at low prices. But it is a very good source of protein.
And it is popular as food in it’s native area. Read some more information about this fish species below.
Short Mackerel Fish Characteristics
The Short Mackerel fish has a very deep body. It is generally of silver color, with somewhat pointed snout.
Their dorsal fin is yellowish with black edge, the pectoral and pelvic fins are dusky and other fins are yellowish. Their head is about equal to or less than their body depth.
Average body length of the Short Mackerel fish is around 20 cm, with a maximum length of 34.5 cm. Photo and info from Wikipedia.
Diet
The Short Mackerel fish are mainly feed on microzooplankton with a high phytoplankton component.
Breeding
The spawning season of the Short Mackerel fish can extend from March to September, with individual populations spawning in batches.
Uses
The Short Mackerel fish fish is used mainly for food. It is a very important species of fish in it’s native area.
Special Notes
The Short Mackerel fish are a very important species of fish in it’s native area. It is relatively cheaper than some other common fishes. But it is a great source of protein.
The species is of major commercial importance, and is caught by various methods ranging from gillnetting to dynamite fishing.
These fish generally reach maturity at a length of around 17 cm. It is pelagic but prefers to feed in estuarine habitats, at surface temperatures of 20-30 °C.
It is a popular fish in Thailand, India, Cambodia, Philippines and Malaysia.
And it is the most commercially important variety of mackerel in the Philippines. However, review full breed profile of this fish in the table below.
| Name | Short Mackerel |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Perciformes |
| Family | Scombridae |
| Genus | Rastrelliger |
| Species | R. brachysoma |
| Binomial Name | Rastrelliger brachysoma |
| Other Names | Also known as Shortbodied Mackerel, Maquereau Trapu, Caballa Rechoncha, Rastrelliger brachysoma and Pla thu |
| Breed Purpose | Mainly food |
| Special Notes | Economically important fish species, one of the most important variety of mackerel in the Philippines, cheaper than some other common fish, great source of protein, it is of major commercial importance, reach maturity at a body length of around 17 cm, prefers to feed in estuarine habitats, used mainly for food |
| Breeding Method | Natural |
| Climate Tolerance | Native climates |
| Body Color | Silver |
| Rarity | Common |
| Availability | South Asia |
