58 



DIVISION OF FISH AND GAME 



PACIFIC MACKEREL 

 Pneumatopborus diego 



Relationship: The only member of the mackerel family, Scombridae, in Cali- 

 fornia waters. Very similar species are found in other parts of the world. 



Distinguishing Characters: The five (sometimes four or six) iinlets which 

 follow the second dorsal and anal fins ; the rather high first dorsal fin which is 

 separated widely from the much lower second dorsal ; the small scales which are easily 

 lost ; the two very small keels on each side of the tail ; the series of about 30 w^avy dark 

 streaks which run vertically down the back to just below the lateral line. Length: 

 Usually under 20 inches, though there is record of a 25-inch specimen which weighed 

 over 6i pounds. Color: Dark green to blue above with metallic reflections, shading 

 into iridescent silvery on the sides and below ; wavy bars as described above. 



Distribution: Gulf of Alaska southward to Cape San Lucas and into the Gulf 

 of California. Not common north of Monterey Bay. Occurs in large schools, sometimes 

 mixed with sardines or jack mackerel. 



Fishing Season: Taken throughout the year with the bulk of the catch landed 

 from September through December. 



Importance: California's third fishery in volume and eighth in value in 1946. 

 Used almost entirely for canning. Most of the catch is delivered at Los Angeles Harbor 

 and at Newport Beach. Not considered a desirable game fish, though large numbers 

 are caught by Southern California sportsmen ; it ranked fifth in number caught and 

 sixth in weight among the State's ocean sport fisheries in 1946. 



Fishing Gear: Mackerel scoops, round haul nets; small quantities with striker 

 poles, set lines, hook and line, gill nets. Will strike on all types of baits and lures. 



Unauthorized Names: Blue mackerel, greenback mackerel, striped mackerel, 

 American mackerel. 



