The Pacific Saury fish is a member of the family Scomberesocidae. It is also called as Mackerel Pike, and also known by many different names in different parts of the world.
It is a very important food source in some East Asian countries. And the fish is mostly found in the North Pacific, from Korea and Japan eastward to the Gulf of Alaska and southward to subtropical Mexico.
The Pacific Saury fish are often imported to the United Kingdom where they are used as bait for sea fishing.
They are often called Blueys in the United Kingdom, possibly due to people confusing the Pacific Saury with blue mackerel.
Pacific Saury Fish Full Information
Currently, this fish is one of the most popular fish used as food in Japan. However, read some more information about this fish species below.
Characteristics
The Pacific Saury fish has a elongate body with dark green to blue on the dorsal side and silvery below. There are small, bright blue blotches distributed randomly on the sides.
Their mouth is small, and there is a series of small finlets between the dorsal and anal fins. They have a small forked tail, and have cycloid scales.
Average total body length of the mature Pacific Saury fish is between 25 and 28 cm. And their average live body weight is around 180 grams.
Diet
The Pacific Saury fish are mainly feed on zooplankton, such as copepods, krill, amphipods and the eggs and larvae of common fish.
Breeding
The Pacific Saury fish is a highly migratory fish species. The adults are generally found offshore, near the surface of the ocean. But the juveniles associate with drifting seaweed.
These fish are oviparous, the eggs are attached to one another and to floating objects such as seaweed via flaments on the shell surface.
Uses
The Pacific Saury fish are mainly used for food. It is very popular in some countries, such as Japan. It is utilized dried, salted, canned and frozen. It is also used for making fishmeal and pet food. It can be broiled or pan-fried.
Special Notes
The Pacific Saury fish has great economic importance where it is found. It is one of the most prominent seasonal foods representing autumn in Japanese cuisine.
Most commonly the fish is served salted and broiled whole, garnished with grated daikon, and served alongside a bowl of rice and a bowl of miso soup.
But in some western countries, the Pacific Saury fish is used for fish meal and pet food. This fish is prey to at least 46 species of fish, birds, invertebrates and marine mammals.
Average lifespan of this fish is between 4 and 6 years. However, review full breed profile of the Pacific Saury fish in the table below.
| Name | Pacific Saury |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Beloniformes |
| Family | Scomberesocidae |
| Genus | Cololabis |
| Species | C. saira |
| Binomial Name | Cololabis saira |
| Other Names | Mackerel Pike, and also known by many other different names in different parts of the world |
| Breed Purpose | Mainly food, but also used for making fishmeal, and used as pet food |
| Special Notes | Economically very important fish species where it is found, one of the most prominent seasonal foods representing autumn in Japanese cuisine, used for making fish meal and used as pet food in some western countries, 4-6 years lifespan |
| Weight | About 180 grams |
| Breeding Method | Natural |
| Climate Tolerance | Native climates |
| Body Color | Silver with dark green or blue on the dorsal side |
| Rarity | Common |
| Availability | Asia |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Many people ask numerous questions about Pacific saury or saury fish. Here we are trying to list the most common questions about this fish species, and trying to answer them. Hope you will find your answer. Don’t hesitate to ask us if you have more questions.
What are saury fish used for?
These fish is most often used for sashimi and shioyaki dishes. It is also delicious for kabayaki and marinated dishes.
What kind of fish is saury?
Saury is a seafood in several East Asian cuisines and is also known by the name mackerel pike.
How do you know a fish is saury?
Sauries are small—up to about 14 inches long—and are characterized by beaklike but weakly toothed jaws and a row of small finlets behind the dorsal and anal fins.
What does saury fish taste like?
The fatty, rich taste resembles that of saba (mackerel), but “dialed down”, with a smooth, light flavor that even those who aren’t fans of strong hikarimono fish will appreciate.
Is Pacific saury healthy?
Yes, it is healthy and safe to eat. It is low in sodium and is a good source of Niacin and Calcium. Saury is also a very good source of Selenium, vitamin D and vitamin B12.
Does canned saury have bones?
Yes, Pacific saury has a lot of thin bones but are soft so you can eat them whole although you may prefer not to.
Does saury fish have scales?
Yes, they have small scals.
Why does saury fishing use red light?
At night, using bright red lights attracts the saury to the surface of the water, allowing them to be easily scooped up in the nets of the commercial fishing vessels.
How do you eat Pacific saury?
A grilled Pacific saury is often served with the head and the tail. For eating this fish, first insert the chopsticks from head to tail and flake the flesh away from the bone. It’s easier to flake in making a cut along the backbone with your chopsticks.
What is canned saury?
Canned saury is ‘saury fish which is kept in canned’. Canned saury is readily available in Korean grocery stores and is often braised with seasonings and vegetables.
