This fish usually is found in warm-temperate and tropical Atlantic waters from Newfoundland to Cape Hatteras.

Mackerel form large schools near the surface of the water, feeding on small fish and crustaceans; young mackerel feed on microscopic copepods; as they grow, they feed on progressively larger prey. Adults will eat any fish smaller than themselves; they also eat a variety of invertebrates such as copepods, crab larvae, shrimp and squid.