How to Identify a Saltwater Mackerel

Mackerel is one of the most widely-known saltwater fish around. All varieties are found in the Florida waters and 1 type is even stocked there. Deep sea mackerel fishing is a great way to get the family out on the water during your next trip to Florida or a great reason to go there for the first time. Use these steps to identify the most common varieties of Mackerel.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Notice the distinct bluish-green and the silvery coloring on the underside of the fish. The Cero has yellow spots along its sides and a dark line that runs the length of its body from the pectoral fin to the tail.

2. Look for the iridescent bluish-green on the back of the King Mackerel and the silver along the sides. There are no black spots on the front dorsal fin. Young King Mackerel have yellow spots much like the Spanish Mackerel.

3. Compare the other styles of mackerel to the Spanish Mackerel which is the easiest to identify with its yellow or olive oval spots over a silver body.

Tips & Warnings

• Cero Mackerel are found anywhere from Massachusetts to Brazil, the most abundant along the Florida Key and the Bahamas. They average between 1 and 5 pounds, but 10 pounders are not rare. Other common names are Spotted Cero and Black-Spotted Mackerel.
• The King Mackerel is found in the same range as the Cero. It is stocked in south Florida waters. Other common names include Yellowtail, Yellowtail Kingfish and Kingfish.
• Spanish Mackerel are also found in the Florida waters and around Cuba, but are not present in the Caribbean or Bahamas. They are common at 1 to 2 pounds, but it is not unusual to find them at 5 to 7 pounds and up to 20 inches in length. Another common name for the Spanish Mackerel is Sierra.

Who Can Help:

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Resources

• Fish Identification Cards