Horse Mackerel (Kawwa)

Order Fresh Horse Mackerel Fish (Kawwa) from Dfresh Seafood, Pakistan’s most trusted online seafood store known for freshness, hygiene, and competitive prices. We deliver fresh seafood to Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and all major cities of Pakistan, ensuring the same trusted quality nationwide.

Introduction

Horse Mackerel (Kawwa) is widely available and valued for its affordability, rich omega‑3 content, and essential nutrients. Customers appreciate its versatility in cooking  from grilling and frying to steaming making it a staple in Pakistani kitchens.

Beyond its culinary appeal, Horse Mackerel holds cultural significance and plays an important role in Pakistan’s seafood exports. Its distinct flavor, adaptability to traditional preservation methods, and contribution to sustainable fishing research highlight its ecological and economic importance.

Flavor Profile

Horse Mackerel offers a mild to moderate flavor that appeals to a wide range of seafood lovers. Unlike stronger mackerel varieties, its taste is distinct yet not overpowering, making it versatile for different palates.

The fish has a firm, meaty texture that holds together well during cooking. Its flesh is slightly off‑white after preparation and contains fine bones, but remains ideal for grilling, baking, pan‑frying, and even sushi dishes. This meatiness adds substance to traditional and modern recipes alike.

Nomenclature

English Name: Horse Mackerel, Scad, Jack Mackerel, Selar
Local Name: Kawwa
Scientific Name: Trachurus spp

Habitat

The horse mackerel (Kawwa) is a pelagic fish species that inhabits open waters of various oceans, including the Arabian Sea. In the Arabian Sea, horse mackerel can be found in both coastal and offshore regions. It tends to prefer warmer waters and is often associated with oceanic currents and upwelling zones that bring nutrient-rich water to the surface.

Horse mackerel are known to form schools or aggregations, which can move in response to factors like temperature, prey availability, and water currents. They are often found at various depths in the water column, which can include both surface waters and deeper layers.

Catching Method

Horse mackerel (Kawwa) in the Arabian Sea are often caught using a variety of fishing methods that take advantage of their pelagic nature and schooling behavior. Some of the common catching methods used in the Arabian Sea and other similar regions include Purse Seining, Trawling, Gillnetting, and Longlining etc.

Physical Attributes

Horse mackerel ( Kawwa ) possess elongated bodies, metallic blue-green to silver coloration on the dorsal side, and a silvery-white belly. They exhibit a forked tail fin, a lateral line, and finlets behind dorsal and anal fins. These adaptations facilitate rapid swimming and schooling behavior in open ocean environments.

Size

The size range of a Horse mackerel can vary widely depending on factors such as species, age, habitat, and environmental conditions. Generally, it can weigh anywhere from a few 100 gm to 400 gm.

Cutting Preferences

Since Horse mackerel is relatively a small fish, the only preferable cutting for it is whole (gutted).

Approx. Cutting Yields

Whole:  100 %
Gutted:  80 %
Headless and Gutted: 60 %

Cooking Preferences

In South Asia — especially in Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka — Horse Mackerel is enjoyed with regional culinary twists. Customers prepare it in curries, frying, grilling, biryani, pulao, and dry dishes, making it one of the most versatile seafood options.

For more inspiration on seafood recipes, you can also explore BBC Good Food.

Health Benefits

Horse Mackerel is valued for its high protein content, omega‑3 fatty acids, and essential nutrients. Rich in vitamins D and B12, it supports bone strength, energy metabolism, and overall vitality. Omega‑3s promote heart health, reduce inflammation, and enhance brain function, while minerals like selenium and phosphorus contribute to cell health and bone density.

With naturally low mercury levels, Horse Mackerel is considered a safer seafood choice. Adding it to a balanced diet supports cardiovascular well‑being, brain performance, and overall nutrition, making it a trusted option for health‑conscious consumers.

For more details on the health benefits of Horse Mackerel fish, you can explore Mayo Clinic.