Pacific sierra and Sierra are the same fish. Different languages, different markets, one species — so a recipe calling for one works exactly as written with the other.
Pacific sierra is a large, prized mackerel-family fish found along Mexico's Pacific coast from Baja California to Ecuador. It has firm, dark, strongly flavored flesh that is excellent for ceviche, aguachile, grilling whole, and fish tacos. Sierra is one of the most important commercial and culinary fish in western Mexico — particularly in Sinaloa, Nayarit, and Jalisco — and is fundamentally different in character from the Atlantic mackerel found in European markets.
One species, one fishmonger’s counter at a time.
| Country | Called |
|---|---|
| 🇺🇸United States | Pacific sierra |
| 🇬🇧United Kingdom | Pacific sierra |
| 🇫🇷France | Thazard sierra |
| 🇪🇸Spain | Sierra del Pacífico |
| 🇦🇷Argentina | Sierra |
| 🇲🇽Mexico | Sierra |
| 🇵🇹Portugal | Serra do Pacífico |
| 🇧🇷Brazil | Serra do Pacífico |
| 🇮🇹Italy | Lacerto |
| 🇩🇪Germany | Spanische Makrele |
Browse every species in the atlas on the fish index, or identify one from a photo with Identify my cut.