●The ecology and characteristics of Japanese horse mackerel

◆What kind of fish is a horse mackerel?

Classification: Fish > Actinopterygii > Perciformes > Carangoidei > Carangidae > Caranginae > Trachurus (Source: Japan Marine Science and Technology Center)

Scientific name: Trachurus japonicus (Temminck & Schlegel, 1844)
Japanese name: maji/maji
English name: Horse mackerel French name: Chinchard
Also known as: simply horse mackerel, black horse mackerel, golden horse mackerel, hona mackerel, big one as giant horse mackerel or big horse mackerel

■When is the horse mackerel season?

●Spawning season of Japanese horse mackerel

The spawning season of the Japanese horse mackerel, ma-aji, varies across regions and is relatively long, typically occurring from around January to November. It gives the impression that spawning is ongoing in some marine areas. In western Japan, spawning is more prevalent from the beginning of the year until early summer, while along the Kanto coast, it takes place from early summer to summer. In Hokkaido, spawning occurs around August.

●The season for things with a ground is from early summer to summer

The Japanese horse mackerel, ma-aji, is available throughout the year, and the spawning season varies depending on the fishing grounds. Therefore, it cannot be definitively stated when it is in season. Generally, the catch decreases during late autumn and winter, and a significant quantity becomes available from spring to summer. As a result, the period from April to July is commonly considered the peak season for ma-aji.

Source: “Ma-aji (Japanese Horse Mackerel): Ecology, Characteristics, Fishing Grounds, and Seasonality”

URL: マアジ／真鯵／まあじ：旬の魚介百科 (foodslink.jp)

yoshijikawano(@uonekosuke) • Instagram写真と動画

Trainer in charge: Yoshiji Kawano

English translation by ChatGPT.