Note: The common mackerel ({Scomber scombrus}), which
inhabits both sides of the North Atlantic, is one of
the most important food fishes. It is mottled with
green and blue. The Spanish mackerel ({Scomberomorus
maculatus}), of the American coast, is covered with
bright yellow circular spots.
{Bull mackerel}, {Chub mackerel}. (Zo["o]l.) See under
{Chub}.
{Frigate mackerel}. See under {Frigate}.
{Horse mackerel} . See under {Horse}.
{Mackerel bird} (Zo["o]l.), the wryneck; -- so called because
it arrives in England at the time when mackerel are in
season.
{Mackerel cock} (Zo["o]l.), the Manx shearwater; -- so called
because it precedes the appearance of the mackerel on the
east coast of Ireland.
{Mackerel guide}. (Zo["o]l.) See {Garfish}
(a) .
{Mackerel gull} (Zo["o]l.) any one of several species of gull
which feed upon or follow mackerel, as the kittiwake.
{Mackerel midge} (Zo["o]l.), a very small oceanic gadoid fish
of the North Atlantic. It is about an inch and a half long
and has four barbels on the upper jaw. It is now
considered the young of the genus {Onos}, or {Motella}.
{Mackerel plow}, an instrument for creasing the sides of lean
mackerel to improve their appearance. --Knight.
{Mackerel shark} (Zo["o]l.), the porbeagle.
{Mackerel sky}, or {Mackerel-back sky}, a sky flecked with
small white clouds; a cirro-cumulus. See {Cloud}.
Mackerel sky and mare's-tails Make tall ships carry
low sails. --Old Rhyme.