Family Scombridae, MACKERELS AND TUNAS

Diagonal, sometime wavy, dark bars on bare areas on each side of back; 4 to 5 dark spots below pectoral fin; no dark stripes on belly; dorsal fins connected at base; pectoral fin short.

Similar fish: N/A

Where found: Common offshore, but also occurs regularly in bays and over reefs.

Size: Common from a few pounds up to 15 pounds.

Remarks: Probably the most common tuna W. Atlantic; Popular sportfish, also used as bait for marlin; occurs in large schools.

Florida record: 27 lbs.