Horse mackerel

The Japanese word for "horse mackerel" is "aji", which can also mean "flavor".

One of the cheapest fish in the games, the Horse Mackerel is a common fish that can be found in the ocean. It can be caught at any given time, month, or season. It was introduced in Animal Forest e+.

Donating to the Museum
As with all fish caught in, the horse mackerel can be donated to the museum in each game by talking to Blathers, who will also give some information on it.

In Wild World
Upon donation, Blathers the curator will say:

"Tell me, how do you like to eat your fried horse mackerel? With tartar sauce? Vinegar? ...Ah! Cocktail sauce?! Hoo, I see. Fascinating."

In City Folk
Upon donation, Blathers the curator will say:

"Horse mackerel are not at all related to horses... Rather obvious, I should think... It's quite a strange name, given how many fish are related to this one, like yellowtail and amberjack."

In New Leaf
In New Leaf, an information board in the aquarium will list information about this fish.

"With their appealing flavor, horse mackerel have long been a cheap and common food source. However, in certain regions, they have actually been branded as something of a luxury dish. They have tough scales on both sides of their bodies that must be removed before preparing. Though small, they are formidable carnivores. Since they go after bait, they are popular with fishers."

Giving to Wendell
When this fish is given the Wendell the walrus in City Folk, the Player is rewarded with a Horizontal Track pattern.

Further Information
The Japanese jack mackerel has a depth range of 0 – 275 m, but usually 50 – 275 m. It is tropical. It is an important fish in the fishing trade. It can be found in the north-west Pacific Ocean. It is vulnerable.