Pacific saury

Pacific saury (Cololabis saira), also known as mackerel pike, is a species of ray-finned bony fishes in the family Scomberesocidae. It is a pelagic fish found in the Pacific Ocean, where it is a popular food fish in many parts of Asia, particularly in Japan where it is known as sanma.

Description

The Pacific saury is a small, slender fish with a lateral line that runs straight down the sides. It has a long, pointed snout and a large mouth filled with sharp teeth. The body is blue or green on the top and silver on the sides and belly. The Pacific saury can reach a length of up to 50 cm, but most individuals are around 30 cm long.

Distribution and habitat

The Pacific saury is a highly migratory species, found throughout the Pacific Ocean, from the Bering Sea and Alaska in the north, to Baja California in the south. It is also found in the western Pacific, from the Sea of Okhotsk to the East China Sea and the Sea of Japan. The species prefers surface waters and is often found in large schools.

Diet

The diet of the Pacific saury consists mainly of plankton, small crustaceans, and fish. It is a predator and an important part of the food chain, serving as a food source for larger fish and marine mammals.

Commercial importance

The Pacific saury is a commercially important species, particularly in Japan, where it is a popular food fish. It is often grilled and served with a soy sauce based dip. The fish is also canned and exported to many countries around the world.

Conservation

While the Pacific saury is not currently considered threatened, overfishing and changes in ocean temperatures due to climate change could potentially impact its populations in the future.