| Remarks |
This species is known in Australia to undertake lengthy longshore migrations, which extend along the entire east coast of Queensland. But permanently resident populations also seem to exist. The resident fish simply disperse from the reefs after spawning, while the migrating fish move up to 1000 nautical miles to the south (Ref. 30203). On the Queensland east coast, migration from the Lizard Island-Townsville area takes place ater the spawning season when a significant proportion of 2 and 3-year-old fish moves southwards. A return migration of 3 and 4-year-old fish comences during winter (Ref. 30199). On the west coast, the mackerel follow the 22-24°C isotherm (Ref. 30205), generally moving south in the late summer and north during the winter.
The migration route in the Gulf of Thailand has been mapped (Ref. 6783). Feeding apparently occurs day and night.
In north Queensland, small juveniles up to 10 m FL live in creeks, estuaries and along areas of sheltered mud flats in the early wet season (December-January) (Ref. 30194). Juveniles of 15-40 cm FL are caught by prawn trawlers working shallow water during February and March (Ref. 30194). After May, Spanish mackerel of about 40 cm FL are caught in reef waters in the commecial hook-and-line fishery (Ref. 30194). Schooling species. Feeds on small schooling species such as clupeids, engraulids and carangids. Dwells in the pelagic zone along coastal waters (Ref. 127989). Spawning occurs in mangrove areas, crevices, estuaries and sheltered mud flats. Forms shoals but larger specimens tend to be solitary. Piscivorous predator. Feeds on sardines, anchovies, lizardfishes and lanternfish (Ref. 9773). |