What is the origin of the name 'Mackerel'?

The Japanese name 'Aji' is said to come from the fish's good taste. It makes sense since it's delicious. In kanji, it's written as '鯵,' with the fish radical and the character for '参.' There are various theories about this kanji. One suggests it means 'so delicious it overwhelms you.' Another theory is that the character '参' was used because the tastiest season for mackerel is the third month of the lunar calendar. Another theory is that '参' signifies 'coming together' because mackerel swim in schools. It's hard to pinpoint the true origin, but it's interesting that all theories relate to the fish's tastiness.

Why do mackerel live where they do?

Mackerel live in warm seas around the world. Depending on the species, they live near coral reefs along the coast or swim in schools offshore. Schooling species swim in large groups at depths of 10-100m, following the currents. Mackerel lack defensive weapons like fangs or venom, so they swim in large schools to reduce the risk of predation. Non-schooling species hide in shallow areas among rocks or coral reefs. Their large eyes and always-dilated pupils allow them to see well in dark environments.

What do mackerel eat?

Juvenile mackerel eat mysid shrimp and plankton, while adults are carnivorous, eating crustaceans, mollusks, small fish, and squid. Mackerel don't have teeth, so they swallow prey whole, choosing prey size according to their body size. The largest mackerel species, the 'Giant Trevally,' can eat other mackerel species. The 'Silver Trevally' digs into the sandy bottom to find food, using its protruding mouth to suck in prey. Juveniles often swim alongside larger fish like jellyfish or groupers to avoid predators.

Do young mackerel travel?

The spawning season for mackerel varies by location. Mackerel spawn by releasing eggs into the sea, laying 100,000 to 400,000 eggs at a time. Baby mackerel born in the East China Sea grow while migrating north along the Japanese archipelago. They follow this instinctual path even though they never meet their mothers. Juveniles live in shallow areas and feed on plankton. However, baby mackerel born in Okinawa may be carried by the Kuroshio Current to inhospitable areas, a phenomenon called 'death migration.' Changing their course is difficult, making the location and timing of birth crucial for survival. As adults, mackerel return to their birthplace to spawn, remembering their place of origin.

How do you catch mackerel?

For Japanese people, mackerel, especially horse mackerel, is an essential part of their diet. Mackerel bones have been found in Jomon period ruins, showing that it has been loved for centuries. Horse mackerel is one of the most commonly caught fish in Japan, contributing significantly to the economy. It is used not only as fresh fish but also in processed products like 'Kusaya,' made from mackerel species called 'Muraji.' You can also enjoy catching mackerel. In Japan, mackerel fishing is popular from summer to autumn. There are various fishing methods, but for beginners, fishing at ports or breakwaters can be fun. Since mackerel are often offshore during the day, night fishing at breakwaters may yield better results. Using long, thin lures made of soft materials can be effective as they wiggle in the water, attracting mackerel. However, be careful when fishing at ports. Boats are often tied with ropes that extend into the water, so avoid getting your line tangled. Ports are workplaces for fishermen, so be mindful of your manners to enjoy fishing without causing trouble.

Can you eat mackerel after catching it?

After catching mackerel, you can bring it home to eat. Enjoy various dishes like sashimi, grilled fish, and fried fish while it's fresh. However, remember that mackerel are wild creatures. Be aware of any parasites or diseases they may carry to safely enjoy your meal. It's important to understand both the good and bad aspects of mackerel and other living creatures to enjoy your meal responsibly. One potential risk is 'ciguatera poisoning.' This occurs in tropical and subtropical fish that consume algae producing natural toxins, which then accumulate in the fish and cause poisoning in humans. While ciguatera poisoning rarely leads to death, it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, numbness, and low blood pressure, taking six months to a year to recover. Since there is no cure, avoiding large mackerel near coral reefs is advisable. Another risk is 'anisakis.' This parasite lives in fish organs and can cause severe abdominal pain and nausea if ingested. Anisakis is strong and can move from the organs to the muscles after the fish dies. Therefore, removing the organs while the fish is still alive is crucial. If that's not possible, cooking or freezing the fish is necessary. Removing visible anisakis before eating raw fish is essential. Another parasite to watch for is 'tongue worms,' which resemble white pill bugs and live in the mouths and gills of mackerel and sea bream. While they look shocking, they are harmless if ingested. Checking the fish's mouth and gills before bringing it home can help avoid surprises. As mentioned earlier, we consume living creatures for sustenance. It's important to be aware of potential risks and enjoy your meals responsibly.

Animal Article

Mackerel

Mackerel is a fish that often appears on your dining table. There are many ways to cook mackerel, making it a very familiar fish. There are many types of mackerel, but the one you often see is the 'Horse Mackerel.' Let's introduce mackerel, including its types!