Fish ID – Species Glossary

Family Scombridae, MACKERELS AND TUNAS

Description: color of back green, shading to silver on sides, golden yellow irregular spots above and below lateral line; front of dorsal fin black; lateral line curves gently to base of tail.

Similar fish: cero, S. regalis; king mackerel,. cavalla.

Where found: INSHORE, NEARSHORE, and OFFSHORE, especially over deep grass beds and reefs; absent from north Florida waters in winter.

Size: average catch less than 2 pounds (20 inches).

Remarks: schooling fish that migrates northward in spring, returning to southerly waters when water temperatures drop below about 70 degrees F; spawns OFFSHORE, spring through summer; feeds on small fish and squid.

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 mackerel, S. maculatus; king mackerel, S. cavalla.

Where found: NEARSHORE and OFFHSORE 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; spawn  OFFSHSORE in mid summer; feeds on small fish and squid.