Family Scombridae, Mackerels and Tunas
Scomberomorous maculatus

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, S. cavalla.

Where found: inshore, nearshore and offshore, especially over grass beds and reefs. Rare in wintertime

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

Note: schooling fish that migrates northward in spring, returning to southerly waters when water temperature drops below 70 degrees F; spawns offshore, spring through summer; feeds on small fish and squid.