Spanish mackerel

Japanese name

 * Sawara

About Spanish mackerel
The Spanish mackerel is a sleek oceanic schooling fish that boasts a smattering of orange spots along its flanks. There are many different species of Spanish mackerel, but the term sawara is usually used for Scomberomorus niphonius, the Japanese Spanish mackerel. This fish is very popular in Japan but has only recently achieved any real following in North America. U.S. sushi bars will often offer related Scomberomorus species from the Atlantic Ocean or the Gulf of Mexico as sawara.

Eating sustainably
Spanish mackerel carries a warning to limit consumption due to concerns about mercury or other contaminants.