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Spanish Mackerel - Scomberomorus maculatus
Family Scombridae, MACKERELS AND TUNAS
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, cavalla.
Where found: INSHORE, NEARSHORE,
and OFFSHORE, especially over deep grass beds and reefs; absent
from north Florida waters in winter.
Size: Average catch less than
2 pounds (20 inches).
Remarks: Schooling fish that
migrates northward in spring, returning to southerly waters
when water temperatures drop below about 70 degrees F; spawns
OFFSHORE, spring through summer; feeds on small fish and squid.
Florida record: 12 lbs.
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