Spanish Mackerel

Appearance:

Color of back is green, shading to silver on sides with golden yellow irregular spots found above and below the lateral line.  Front of dorsal fin is black, lateral line curves gently to base of tail.   

Habitat:

Spanish mackerel are prevalent throughout Florida waters: inshore, offshore and nearshore.  They are frequently found over grass beds and reefs.  These mackerel are absent from north Florida waters in winter. 

Behavior:

Spanish mackerel are a schooling fish that migrates northward in spring, returning to southerly waters when water temperature drops below 70 degrees F.  They spawns offshore from spring through summer and feeds on small fish and squid. 

State Record:

12 lb, caught near Ft. Pierce 

Additional Information:

Spanish mackerel are similar in appearence to cero, S. regalis;  and king mackerel, S. cavalla. 

Credit: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Image Credit: Diane Rome Peebles