Where Does Atlantic Mackerel Live?

Atlantic Mackerel lives in specific habitats. Knowing where to look helps you find and identify it.

Where to find Atlantic Mackerel

Water type

saltwater

Depth

Typically found in surface waters down to about 200 meters (650 feet), but can occur deeper, especially during overwintering. Spawning occurs in shallower waters.

Environment

Pelagic, schooling fish found in temperate and cold-temperate shelf waters and offshore. They prefer waters with temperatures between 8°C and 20°C (46°F and 68°F).

Geographic range

North Atlantic Ocean, including the continental shelf and slope waters of North America (from Labrador to North Carolina) and Europe (from Norway to the Mediterranean Sea and Black Sea). Distinct western and eastern Atlantic stocks exist.

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