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Beche De Mer
(Sea Cucumber - Trepang)

Also known as Jack Mackerel, Horse Mackeral, Greenback Horse Mackerel  and Cowanyoung.

See Cowanyoung

The Common Jack Mackerel has an elongate body and a forked caudal fin. The scales in both the curved and straight parts of the lateral line are enlarged and scute-like, but may be overgrown by smaller scales in larger individuals. An accessory lateral line runs close to the base of the dorsal fin as far posteriorly as the fifth to tenth dorsal fin ray. The first dorsal fin is shot-based with eight spines. The second dorsal fin is long-based with the terminal ray being enlarged and slightly separated from the rest of the fin.

The species is dark blue-green above and silver to grey below. There is a prominent black blotch on the rear of the operculum.

The Jack Mackerel, greenback horse mackerel or greenback scad, Trachurus declivis, is a species of jack in the family Carangidae, found around southern Australia, and around New Zealand, from the surface to depths of 460 m. Its length is up to 64 cm.

Its common name derives from the legend that other smaller species of fish could ride on its back over great distances.

The greenback horse mackerel is similar to the koheru but has a blunter snout, larger eyes, and a line of 71 - 89 large and conspicuous bony scutes along the entire lateral line. They are commonly found near the bottom, in midwater and occasionally at the surface over the continental shelf. They form pelagic schools for most of the year but may move close to the sea bed during winter. They are generally found at less than 300 m water depth with temperature less than 16° C. Juveniles inhabit coastal and estuarine waters although they may sometimes be found offshore.

They feed mostly during the day, mainly on krill and other planktonic crustaceans, hatchetfishes (Sternoptychidae) and lantern fish (Myctophidae) at the edge of the continental shelf.

It is an important commercial fish.

This species looks similar to the Yellowtail Scad. The Common Jack Mackerel is longer and more slender than the Yellowtail Scad and has a longer accessory lateral line (only reaches to below the first or second dorsal fin ray in the Yellowtail Scad)

Good Marlin bait.

Angling for Jack Mackerel | Scad:

Great marlin bait   

Saltwater Fish - What bait to use for fishing - a list of saltwater baits with the main "diners" who will be tempted.

Cooking Jack Mackerel | Scad:

Jack Mackerel have a strong but not overpowering flavour. They are an excellent choice for children as their bones are easily removed.

Because of its dry flesh, marinate before cooking or serve with a sauce.

The flesh softens considerably after freezing and thawing so fresh trevally is far preferable.

Bake, grill, smoke and deep or shallow fry trevally, but preferably serve skinless. They can be excellent in sashimi and popular when served fried with chips. Smoking helps to reduce the oiliness, which is high in some species. Curried or herbed mayonnaise makes a delicious accompaniment.

Microwave Cooking Times for Fish
- Fish fillets – 5 minutes per 500g on medium-high, +50 seconds more for thicker fillets, or until flesh flakes
- Whole fish - Large – 6 minutes/750g on medium
- Whole fish – Small – 3-4 minutes on medium

Seafood Companies that Supply Scad/Mackerel see:

Processors of Mackerel

Exporters of Mackerel

Importers of Mackerel

Wholesale Suppliers of Mackerel

Seafood Agents for Mackerel

See Also:  Atlantic Mackerel  |  Atlantic Chub Mackerel  |  Atlantic Horse Mackerel  |  Blue Mackerel  |  Chub Mackerel  |  Frigate Mackerel  |  Grey Mackerel  |  Horse Mackerel  |  Indian Mackerel  |  Jack Mackerel  |  Pacific Mackerel  |  School Mackerel  |  Spanish Mackerel  |  Spotted Mackerel  |

More links about Jack Mackerel | Scad

Australian Government - Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (PDF file) - Australian Fisheries Statistics 2010/2011