Family Scombridae, Mackerel and Tunas Scomberomorous cavalla

Description: color of back iridescent bluish green; sides silvery, streamlined body with tapered head; no black pigment on front of dorsal fin; lateral line starts high and drops sharply below the second dorsal fin; young fish often have yellow spots like those of the Spanish Mackerel.

Similar Fish: cero, S. regalis; Spanish Mackerel, S. maculatus.

Where found: Nearshore and offshore.

Size: common to 20 pounds.

Note: schooling fish in both Gulf and Atlantic; Gulf population thought to be separate from Atlantic population, with considerable mixing in winter; spawns in midsummer offshore; feeds on small fish and squid.