Frigate Mackerel (Auxis Rochei)

Latin name: Auxis rochei
Common name: Frigate mackerel
Other names: Bullet tuna
In other languages: E: Melva, F: Bonite
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Perciformes
Family: Scombridae
Genus: Auxis

Distribution: Common in the Mediterranean.

Habitat: This epipelagic species lives mainly in deeper waters. During summer months it comes closer to the coast.

Behaviour: During summer months it can be seen together with tunny and other family members.

Diet: Crab larvae and stomatopoda (decapods, shrimps etc).

Size: Common: 20 - 40cm, maximum: 50cm.

Enemies: It is a prey item of tunny. Its mixing with these larger family members is not of its choice. In the Strait of Gibraltar large schools of these fish are taken on the Spanish side and sold throughout the local provinces making it a truly provincial fish more than an industrial fish.