MACKEREL

Call  941- 223-4826

MACKEREL  Cero - Scomberomorus regalis

Family Scombridae, MACKEREL AND TUNAS

Description: color of back iridescent bluish green; sides silvery; yellow spots forming lines above and below a bronze stripe from pectoral fin to base of the tail; front of first dorsal is bluish black; lateral line curves gradually to base of caudal fin

Similar fish: Spanish mackeral, S. maculatus; king mackeral, S. cavalla

Where found: nearshore and offshore fish occurring mainly in south Florida, especially over coral reefs and wrecks

Size: common to 5 pounds

Remarks: unlike other mackerels, does not stray far from south Florida waters; spawns offshore in mid summer; feeds on small fish and squid