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Short mackerel
Short mackerel
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Short mackerel
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Scombriformes
Suborder: Scombroidei
Family: Scombridae
Subfamily: Scombrinae
Tribe: Scombrini
Genus: Rastrelliger
Species:
R. brachysoma
Binomial name
Rastrelliger brachysoma
(Bleeker, 1851)
Synonyms
  • Rastrelliger neglectus van Kampen, 1907
  • Scomber brachysoma Bleeker, 1851
  • Scomber neglectus van Kampen, 1907

The short mackerel or shortbodied mackerel (Rastrelliger brachysoma) is a species of mackerel in the family Scombridae.[2] Its habitat is the shallow waters of Southeast Asia and Melanesia, feeding mainly on small zooplankton. It is of major importance to the fisheries industry.[3]

Description

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The short mackerel can attain a maximum length of 34.5 cm, but lengths of around 20 cm are more common. It reaches maturity at a length of about 17 cm. The species has the typical appearance of a medium-sized mackerel and is of silver colour. The snout is somewhat pointed.[4]

Ecology

[edit]

The short mackerel is pelagic but prefers to feed in estuarine habitats, at surface temperatures of 20–30 °C (68–86 °F). It is a plankton feeder. The spawning season can extend from March to September, with individual populations spawning in batches.[4]

Fisheries

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The species is of major commercial importance, and is caught by various methods ranging from gillnetting to dynamite fishing.[1]

Commercial capture of short mackerel in tonnes from 1950 to 2009

As food

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Thailand

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Steamed and salted pla thu sold at Thanin market in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Ready-to-eat pla thu
Fried short-bodied mackerel (hasa-hasa, with tomato-mango and vinegar-onion sauces, the Philippines)
Yam pla thu is a Thai salad made with short mackerel.

Pla thu (Thai: ปลาทู; RTGS: pla thu), known as the "fish of the nation"[5] due to its ubiquity,[6] is a very important fish in Thai cuisine, where it is sold in the market with the head bent downwards, which gives it a characteristic shape. Pla thu is typically fried and eaten with nam phrik kapi, boiled and raw vegetables and leafy greens, as well as pieces of cha-om omelette, but it is essential in many other preparations.[7] The name pla thu is sometimes also applied to the Indian mackerel (Rastrelliger kanagurta), which is prepared in the same way.

In the traditional way of processing the pla thu for preservation, the gills are removed and the head of the fish is bent downwards forcefully towards the belly by breaking its backbone. This is done to allow three fishes to fit into a small open-work bamboo basket of a predetermined size. Once in the baskets, the fish are boiled for a few minutes in large basins of sea-water with salt added at 1 kg (2.2 lb) of salt for every 4 litres (0.88 imp gal; 1.1 US gal) of water. In Thai cuisine, the thus processed pla thu is most often eaten fried in combination with nam phrik kapi, a spicy dip made with shrimp paste, dried prawns, lime juice, fish sauce, and the small pea eggplant, with rice and steamed, raw, or fried vegetables.[8]

The pla thu prepared in this way will keep for a very long time in the refrigerator. In former times, it kept for about two weeks without refrigeration as long as it was boiled for a few minutes every two days. In this manner, this sea fish could reach many places in interior Thailand, like the Chiang Mai area in the far north and even remote places in Isan.[citation needed]

Fresh pla thu is commonly used to make soups such as tom yam pla thu. This fish is so popular in Thai culture that the Samut Songkhram F.C. has a pla thu in its emblem.

In 1870, Anna Leonowens described the importance of this fish for Thailand in her book The English Governess at the Siamese Court: "The stream is rich in fish of excellent quality and flavour, such as is found in most of the great rivers of Asia; and is especially noted for its plathu, a kind of sardine, so abundant and cheap that it forms a common seasoning to the labourer's bowl of rice. The Siamese are experts in modes of drying and salting fish of all kinds, and large quantities are exported annually to Java, Sumatra, Malacca, and China".[9] The entrails of this mackerel are one of the main ingredients of tai pla sauce, used in the preparation of the well-known kaeng tai pla curry.[10]

Originally, pla thu was seen as food for the poor in the Siamese perspective. Later, during King Rama V's reign, the Mae Klong railway line was built, connecting Samut Sakhon[a] and Samut Songkhram to Bangkok. These two provinces had the country's largest pla thu fisheries. As a result, large quantities of pla thu were transported to Bangkok and distributed to other regions, making the fish more accessible to people in various parts of the country, including Isan. There is also evidence that King Rama V was fond of pla thu, as seen in a photo of him frying pla thu at Dusit Palace. He personally cooked dishes using pla thu as a main ingredient on many occasions. For this reason, pla thu gained cultural elevation.[11]

Thailand's National Fisheries Association warned in 2019 that short-bodied mackerel may go extinct in the Gulf of Thailand unless action is taken. The Thai Department of Fisheries closes the upper part of the Gulf of Thailand annually during the short mackerel breeding season. The fish migrate from the south of the gulf to the north to find spawning grounds. During this period, fishing boats are not allowed in specific areas. Local fishers flout this ban by catching adult female fish during their breeding season, reducing the number of newly spawned fish.[6] In 2011, the pla thu catch in Thai waters was 147,853 tonnes. By 2018, the figure had dropped to 20,461 tonnes. Formerly rich seas off Mae Klong (Samut Songkhram Province) are now home to few fish. Imports from Sri Lanka and Indonesia have become increasingly common,[12] although Thais commonly believe that imported mackerel is inferior in flavour.[5]

In other countries

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This type of mackerel is also very important in the cuisine of other regions of Southeast Asia, such as Cambodia, the Philippines (where it is the most commercially important variety of mackerel), and Malaysia.

Notes

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References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Short mackerel

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The short mackerel (Rastrelliger brachysoma) is a small belonging to the family , characterized by its body adapted for schooling in coastal waters. Native to the Indo-West Pacific, it ranges from the eastward to , including key areas such as , , the , , and the , where it inhabits epipelagic neritic environments with surface temperatures between 20°C and 30°C and tolerates slightly reduced salinities in estuarine zones. This primarily feeds on small and reaches a maximum length of about 34.5 cm fork length, maturing at smaller sizes to support rapid reproduction in productive shallow seas of and . Of significant economic value, the short mackerel constitutes a cornerstone of small pelagic fisheries across its range, particularly in and the , where it is harvested year-round using purse seines and other gears, contributing substantially to regional protein supplies and markets valued in hundreds of millions of USD annually. Despite its commercial prominence, populations face pressures from intensive exploitation, leading to its classification as Vulnerable on the due to inferred declines from fishing impacts.

Taxonomy and Classification

Scientific Classification

The short mackerel (Rastrelliger brachysoma Bleeker, 1851) occupies the following position in the taxonomic hierarchy: Kingdom Animalia, Phylum Chordata, Class Actinopterygii, Order Scombriformes, Family Scombridae, Subfamily Scombrinae, Tribe Scombrini, Genus Rastrelliger Jordan & Starks, 1908, Species R. brachysoma. No widely recognized synonyms exist for the species, though historical nomenclature has occasionally conflated it with congeners due to morphological similarities. Within the genus , which comprises four species of semi-pelagic mackerels confined to tropical Indo-West Pacific waters, R. brachysoma is distinguished from the (R. kanagurta) primarily by a deeper body depth, deeper caudal peduncle, and notably longer intestine relative to body length, traits verifiable through meristic counts and morphometric analyses. These differences reflect subtle phylogenetic divergence, supported by genetic markers such as sequences that cluster R. brachysoma separately from R. kanagurta in parsimony and maximum-likelihood trees. Phylogenetically, the genus nests within the monophyletic tribe Scombrini of , a family of epipelagic fishes exhibiting derived traits for high-speed cruising and schooling, including body plans, rigid pectoral girdles, and modifications for sustained buoyancy in open water—adaptations inferred from comparative morphology and molecular phylogenies of 48 . This positioning underscores R. brachysoma's evolutionary specialization as a filter-feeding pelagic , divergent from more predatory scombrids like tunas.

Etymology and Naming

The genus name , established by and Earl Starks in 1908, derives from Latin rāstrum (rake) and gerō (to bear or carry), referring to the elongated gill rakers on the first gill arch that resemble the tines of a rake, a diagnostic trait distinguishing the genus from other scombrids. The specific epithet brachysoma, introduced by in 1851 as part of the original binomial Scomber brachysoma, combines Greek βραχύς (brachys, short) and σῶμα (soma, body), highlighting the species' proportionally deeper and more compact body relative to its standard length when compared to elongate mackerels in related genera. Bleeker's description was based on specimens collected from shallow coastal waters of the Indo-Malayan , with the species later transferred to Rastrelliger to reflect its specialized pharyngeal anatomy. The common English name "short mackerel" directly echoes the brachysoma descriptor, underscoring the fish's stubbier profile—typically achieving a maximum length of 34.5 cm but with a body depth comprising about 25-30% of standard length—contrasting with the more slender forms of Atlantic or Pacific mackerels. In regional fisheries contexts, such as , vernacular names like "pla thu" in Thai or "kembong" in Indonesian similarly evoke its diminutive, robust build, though these lack formal etymological ties to the binomial. No significant taxonomic revisions have altered the since the genus transfer, maintaining stability in ichthyological usage.

Physical Description

Morphology

The short mackerel (Rastrelliger brachysoma) exhibits a streamlined body shape characteristic of the family, with an oval cross-section that facilitates efficient swimming in pelagic environments. The body is notably deep, with depth at the gill cover margin measuring 3.7 to 4.0 times in standard length, and features a bluntly rounded . Adults possess minute teeth in the upper jaw, while the caudal peduncle is equipped with a pair of lateral keels, a diagnostic scombrid trait enhancing hydrodynamic stability. The originates above the eye and comprises 8 to 11 spines followed by 11 or 12 soft rays, separated by a small interspace; it is trailed by 5 dorsal finlets. The anal fin includes 12 soft rays and is similarly followed by 5 finlets, with pectoral fins extending to approximately two-thirds the distance toward the anal fin origin. A single interpelvic process is present between the pelvic fins. rakers are long and numerous, numbering 28 to 40 on the lower branch of the first arch, forming a sieve-like structure adapted for filtering microzooplankton and from the . Dorsally, the coloration is bluish-green marked by fine dark spots or short oblique bars, transitioning to silvery sides and a unmarked silvery-white belly, providing in open waters. This patterning, combined with iridescent scales, aids in reducing visibility to predators from above and below.

Size, Growth, and Lifespan

The short mackerel (Rastrelliger brachysoma) reaches a maximum fork length (FL) of 34.5 cm, though lengths of around 20 cm FL are more typical in catches. Growth is rapid during the first year, enabling juveniles to attain substantial size quickly, with field data indicating variability in parameters across Indo-Pacific populations. For instance, in coastal waters off , von Bertalanffy growth modeling yields an asymptotic length (L∞) of 26.8 cm, growth coefficient (K) of 0.75 year-1, and theoretical age at zero length (t0) of -0.0145 years, reflecting high initial growth rates that taper off. Age is primarily determined through analysis of sagittal otoliths, which exhibit daily growth increments validated in larval and juvenile stages, allowing precise back-calculation of age from ring counts in older . Maximum lifespan estimates range from 2 to 4 years in wild populations, with reported ages up to 2 years in some studies and of 4 years noted in broader datasets, underscoring population-specific differences potentially linked to environmental factors like and prey availability. No pronounced in or growth trajectories is evident from available , though females may exhibit slightly extended in certain cohorts. Overall averages 0.9 years (range 0.8-1.1 years), consistent with the species' high resilience and fast turnover.

Distribution and Habitat

Geographic Range

The short mackerel ( brachysoma) occupies tropical neritic waters of the Indo-West Pacific, ranging from the eastward across to . Verified records confirm its presence along coasts of , , the , , the , and , within coordinates approximately 18°N to 18°S and 93°E to 180°E. It remains confined to pelagic-neritic zones at depths of 15 to 200 m, exhibiting oceanodromous migrations along continental shelves, with no substantiated extensions into open oceanic pelagic realms or temperate latitudes as evidenced by ichthyofaunal surveys and fishery landings.

Environmental Tolerances and Preferences

The short mackerel (Rastrelliger brachysoma) occupies an epipelagic neritic habitat, primarily in the upper layers of coastal shelf waters at depths ranging from 15 to 200 meters. This species thrives in surface waters with temperatures between 20°C and 30°C, as documented in observations across its Indo-West Pacific range. It demonstrates tolerance for slightly reduced salinities in estuarine and nearshore environments, enabling presence in areas with freshwater influence from river outflows. Empirical data from the Gulf of Thailand indicate that salinity fluctuations tied to seasonal rainfall do not preclude habitation, though optimal conditions align with stable neritic salinities. Abundance patterns are closely associated with oceanographic features, including coastal zones that modulate local temperature and nutrient dynamics within tolerated ranges. Seasonal monsoons further influence distribution and density by altering surface currents and mixing, with higher concentrations observed during periods of enhanced coastal productivity driven by these events.

Reproduction and Life History

Spawning Behavior

The short mackerel (Rastrelliger brachysoma) forms spawning aggregations in the lower Gulf of Thailand, particularly off Pattani Bay, where elevated proportions of mature individuals (gonad stages IV-V) indicate concentrated spawning activity during peak periods. Field observations from monthly sampling in this region reveal batch spawning behavior, with fish releasing eggs in multiple pulses within schools, facilitated by asynchronous gonadal development. Spawning seasonality features two distinct peaks: a pre-monsoon period in February and a prolonged phase during the southwest (May, June, August, ), aligned with favorable water temperatures and densities that support reproductive conditioning. Gonadosomatic index (GSI) values elevate during these times, reaching maxima around 2.16% for females in , though immature and maturing stages persist year-round, underscoring the protracted nature of in tropical waters. Sexual maturity typically occurs at 16-18 cm total length, with 50% of the population reaching morphometric maturity at 16.2 cm TL (14.7 cm fork length); histological examination confirms this through the presence of advanced stages, including yolk globule phases up to 400 μm and post-ovulatory follicles indicative of recent spawning. These findings from Pattani Bay studies highlight regional fidelity in aggregation sites, with migrants contributing to local spawning stocks.

Fecundity and Development

Female brachysoma exhibit batch , with an average of 18,828 eggs per female (range: 6,638–37,000 eggs), as determined gravimetrically from specimens off Pattani Bay, . This reproductive output correlates positively with total length (exponent b=8.27), total weight, weight (p<0.05), and egg diameter. peaks in females around 19.5 cm total length, reflecting size-dependent ovarian investment in this multiple-spawning species. Oocyte development is asynchronous, featuring multiple stages from perinucleolus to late globule, enabling protracted spawning seasons. diameters vary by maturity: 50–200 µm in maturing stages (III) and 100–400 µm in ripe/spent stages (IV–V). Eggs are pelagic, released in batches during spawning aggregations from to . Early development proceeds through planktonic larval stages, characterized by high mortality from predation, starvation, and dispersal, as typical for pelagic marine eggs and larvae with low individual survival probabilities. Surviving larvae metamorphose into juveniles that settle in coastal nurseries, where environmental conditions influence . Specific success rates remain understudied, though oocyte viability supports batch-wise embryonic progression in captive and wild contexts.

Ecology and Behavior

Feeding Habits

The short mackerel (Rastrelliger brachysoma) exhibits a planktivorous diet dominated by small planktonic organisms, as determined through stomach content analyses. Principal prey items include diatoms comprising approximately 51% of the diet, dinoflagellates at 17%, and copepods at 15%, reflecting a mixed consumption of and . Other components such as blue-green and miscellaneous planktonic matter contribute lesser proportions, underscoring a specialization in microplankton filtering rather than larger prey. Feeding intensity varies, with about 51.7% of examined specimens showing active and 32.1% moderate fullness, indicating consistent activity. This species employs filter-feeding mechanisms, utilizing specialized gill rakers to strain from during dense schooling formations, which enhances efficiency in capturing diffuse prey patches. The diet shows selectivity for prey sizes matching the mesh of gill rakers, with microzooplankton forming the core alongside a substantial fraction, adapting to the patchy distribution of tropical blooms. Ontogenetic shifts occur in prey selection, with juveniles initially favoring smaller particles before transitioning to include more like copepods as body size increases, aligning with morphological development of feeding structures. This progression supports growth rates and reduces for resources.

Migration and Population Dynamics

Short mackerel ( brachysoma) undertake oceanodromous migrations along coastal waters of the central-western , typically at depths of 15–200 m, between feeding and spawning grounds. Genetic mixed-stock analyses indicate dynamic contributions from multiple source populations, with, for instance, approximately 85.58% of mature individuals caught in the eastern originating as migrants from southern Gulf stocks. Hypothetical patterns derived from catch and size data suggest northward recruitment in areas like the () around February, at lengths of about 16 cm, followed by southward movements across straits such as the Malacca Strait into the . The forms schools comprising individuals of similar , a that facilitates predator avoidance in pelagic-neritic environments. Population regulation exhibits density-dependent characteristics, as incorporated in spatiotemporal models of distribution that account for interactions and non-linear responses to levels. Abundance fluctuates seasonally, with survey catch rates varying monthly in regions like the and west coast of , influenced by environmental tolerances such as surface temperatures of 20–30 °C and reduced salinities in estuarine zones. Demographic history reconstructed from in the reveals population expansions, with estimated timings of 1.54 ka BP for one and 7.60 ka BP for another, reflecting historical variability tied to habitat suitability.

Fisheries and Exploitation

Harvesting Methods and Gear

Short mackerel ( brachysoma) are harvested primarily through purse seining, a technique involving vessels that deploy large encircling nets around detected schools, which are then pursed closed from below to trap the fish. This method dominates commercial operations in , accounting for 65% of catches in Thai waters and 45% in the based on 2008 records. Purse seining targets surface schools visually spotted during daylight or aggregated using artificial lights at night, with LED lamps increasingly adopted to enhance attraction efficiency and reduce fuel use in Thai and regional fisheries. Gillnets, including drift and encircling variants, provide a selective alternative for capturing short mackerel by entangling them in mesh sized to the species' dimensions, thereby limiting of non-target sizes. Drift gillnets comprised 31% of catches in 2008, often deployed passively to intercept migrating schools. Lift nets and falling nets are utilized in artisanal settings, where operators position stationary or semi-stationary nets over illuminated areas to draw in schools before rapid hauling; these are common for nearshore operations and employ lights such as LEDs or for aggregation. Regional adaptations include mini purse seines in Indonesian small-scale fisheries along Java's northern coast, contrasting with larger industrial-scale purse seiners in . These gears emphasize school-targeting efficiency, with operations scaled from artisanal canoes in and the to mechanized vessels in the .

Commercial Catch and Economic Value

The short mackerel (Rastrelliger brachysoma) underpins major commercial fisheries in , with principal production in and . Annual catches in the region reach tens of thousands of metric tons, as reported by regional fisheries bodies; for instance, Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC) data indicate short mackerel capture volumes exceeding 150,000 metric tons in aggregate statistics for recent years. In , purse seine operations alone yielded 21,086 metric tons in 2016 within the subregion. Economically, the species generates substantial value, particularly in where it ranked as the most important marine fish by worth, valued at 190 million USD in 2013. prices averaged 1,787 USD per metric ton in 2020 across , supporting trade in fresh, frozen, and processed forms such as canned products destined for domestic consumption and neighboring markets. This contributes to local economies by providing affordable protein and employment in fishing communities reliant on pelagic harvests. Market prices for short mackerel have fluctuated with abundance and demand, rising from approximately 0.8 USD per kilogram in 1995 to 1.4 USD per kilogram in 2015 in Thai markets, driven by sustained regional consumption. The fish's role extends to bolstering in coastal areas, where it serves as a staple amid growing export-oriented processing.

Conservation Status

Stock Assessments and

![Fisheries capture of Rastrelliger brachysoma][float-right] Stock assessments for brachysoma utilize catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) indices and surplus production models, including and formulations, to derive estimates of biomass and (MSY). In the , bioeconomic modeling from catch and effort data indicates that exploitation levels frequently approach or surpass MSY thresholds, with current mortality rates exceeding those yielding maximum economic yield. Spatiotemporal CPUE analyses in Thai waters reveal fluctuating abundance patterns, often linked to environmental variability and pressure, informing targeted reductions in effort during peak vulnerability periods. Regional evaluations, such as those in Indonesian and Thai fisheries, apply spawning potential ratio (SPR) metrics from models to gauge reproductive capacity, with northern assessments showing SPR values above critical collapse thresholds despite intensive purse-seine harvesting. Fisheries refugia programs in the and sub-regions prioritize protection of and juveniles, yielding empirical evidence of stabilized recruitment in designated areas through reduced and preservation. These initiatives demonstrate lower risks of stock depletion relative to less-managed pelagic , attributable to the species' high and transboundary migration facilitating natural replenishment. Sustainability hinges on juvenile dynamics, where models incorporating environmental covariates predict viability under moderate effort levels, though persistent overcapacity in trawl and purse-seine fleets poses ongoing challenges in data-limited contexts. No verified instances of population collapse have been recorded for R. brachysoma, contrasting with more vulnerable mackerels, due to its neritic distribution and adaptive schooling behavior supporting resilience against localized depletion.

Management and Challenges

In the , a transboundary hotspot for Rastrelliger brachysoma, management emphasizes regional cooperation through the Regional Action Plan (RAP) for Indo-Pacific Mackerel, adopted in May 2020 by SEAFDEC member countries including , , and . This non-binding framework prioritizes data-informed measures such as reducing effort via controls on permits, fleet capacity, and gear specifications to align harvest with biological productivity, rather than uniform precautionary restrictions. Seasonal closures, implemented annually from 1 June to 31 July since historical notifications dating to , target spawning and nursery protection, with DNA-based stock assessments guiding site-specific application. Fisheries refugia serve as no-take zones to preserve broodstocks and early juveniles, exemplified by Cambodia's 1,283-hectare proclaimed in Koh Kong province in 2019, and Thailand's proposed 140,000-hectare refugium in under consultation as of 2020. These biologically targeted protections address the ' neritic migrations, informed by microchemistry and genetic analyses identifying distinct stocks. In , analogous national efforts focus on effort limitation amid small-scale dominance, though transboundary coordination remains nascent. Persistent challenges undermine these approaches, including illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) exacerbated by open-access regimes and weak , which distort catch and hinder . is evident in production declines, such as Thailand's drop from 194,845 metric tons in 2012 to 21,086 metric tons in 2016, and the Gulf of Thailand's from 139,815 tons in 2012 to 31,120 tons in 2016, driven by high-pressure gears like purse seines and gillnets. variability further complicates dynamics, altering migration routes and spawning success, with temporary stock disappearances linked to environmental shifts rather than solely anthropogenic factors. Where effort reductions have been enforced, such as through permit caps and gear restrictions, localized recoveries have occurred by allowing reproductive to rebuild, underscoring the efficacy of biologically calibrated limits over broader prohibitions. However, transboundary enforcement gaps and habitat degradation from coastal development persist as barriers, necessitating enhanced monitoring to prioritize causal drivers like excess capacity over speculative threats.

Human Consumption

Nutritional Composition

Short mackerel (Rastrelliger brachysoma) raw edible portion contains approximately 20.8 g of protein per 100 g, contributing to its role as a high-quality protein source with essential amino acids. Total fat content varies seasonally and by location, typically ranging from 3.4 g to 10 g per 100 g, with a caloric density of around 205 kcal per 100 g comparable to other species. The is rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, providing 366 mg per 100 g on average (with ranges up to 855 mg), predominantly as EPA and DHA, which support cardiovascular health and reduce inflammation through anti-thrombotic and anti-arrhythmic effects. This yields a favorable omega-3 to omega-6 ratio, often exceeding 1:1 in wild specimens, superior to many farmed due to natural diets low in omega-6 precursors. Key micronutrients include (essential for neurological function and formation), (for bone health and immune modulation), and (an that protects against ), with levels aligning with those in other small pelagic mackerels. Iron content averages 3.44 mg per 100 g, aiding oxygen transport. Wild-caught short mackerel exhibits low levels of contaminants such as mercury (typically <0.1 ppm, below FDA limits for frequent consumption) due to its small size, short lifespan, and planktivorous diet, minimizing compared to larger . Relative to farmed , which often retains higher persistent organic pollutants from feed and a less optimal profile, short mackerel offers better density per calorie with fewer additives and naturally higher of omega-3s. These attributes position it as a sustainable, health-promoting option when sourced from uncontaminated waters.

Culinary Preparation and Uses

Short mackerel ( brachysoma), known as pla thu in , is typically prepared fresh through or pan- to highlight its flavor, with the whole fish often cleaned, scaled, and cooked intact due to its small size. In , a common method involves lightly coating the fish in to prevent sticking, then in shallow oil heated to approximately 190°C until the internal temperature reaches 60°C, yielding crispy skin and flaky flesh served with chili dips like nam prik kapi. This simple technique, as in pla tu tod, preserves the fish's natural oils while making it suitable for immediate consumption in coastal meals. Preservation methods emphasize salting and sun-drying for semi-dried pla thu, where fresh fish are lightly salted and exposed to for brief periods to reduce without full , extending usability in tropical climates. Traditional processing includes eviscerating and the fish in local salt solutions, sometimes followed by in salted water augmented with seasonings like and bouillon for about 10 minutes, allowing storage for up to two weeks without . into products like occasionally incorporates juveniles of the species, blending with rice bran and salt for 3–6 months to create pungent pastes used as condiments, though predominate in this practice. via thermal bottling has emerged as a modern technique to stabilize quality for export, involving heat processing to seal in freshness. In regional dishes, short mackerel features in versatile applications such as yum pla too salads with herbs and lime, khao yum pla tu rice salads mixed with vegetables and fish sauce, or nam prik platu chili pastes pounded with fresh chilies and garlic for dipping. It integrates into curries like chu chi pla, simmered in coconut milk with red curry paste, and soups such as pla too tom kem, stewed in salty broths for hearty staples in southern Thai diets. These preparations rely on minimal processing to retain the fish's texture and umami, forming cultural mainstays in Southeast Asian coastal communities where it accompanies rice and fresh produce.

References

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