Scomber scombrus, is a fish species in the mackerel genus. It is a fast-swimming fish that often appears in large shoals. It is widespread from the Black Sea and the Mediterranean to Iceland and northern Norway as well as on the east coast of North America. It can roam deep into the Baltic Sea.

Mackerel is a pelagic fish that lives in the upper water bodies. In summer, mackerel migrate in large shoals to coastal areas in search of small fish and smaller shellfish such as shrimp. In colder waters, mackerel gather in large shoals near the sea surface.

The male and female mackerel grow at about the same rate. They can reach a length of about 50 centimeters in Danish waters.

Mackerel has a very high content of B vitamins and omega-3 acids and contains almost twice as much compared to salmon. In addition, the scomber scombrus species contains much fewer amounts of heavy metals than its fellow species.