CERO (cero mackerel) – Scomberomorus regalis
Family Scombridae, MACKEREL AND TUNAS
Description: color of back iridescent bluish green; sides silvery; yellow spots forming lines above and below a bronze stripe from pectoral fin to base of the tail; front of first dorsal is bluish black; lateral line curves gradually to base of caudal fin.
Similar fish: Spanish mackerel, S. maculatus; king mackerel, S. cavalla.
Where found: NEARSHORE and OFFHSORE fish occurring mainly in south Florida, especially over coral reefs and wrecks.
Size: common to 5 pounds.
Remarks: unlike other mackerels, does not stray far from south Florida waters; spawn OFFSHSORE in mid summer; feeds on small fish and squid.
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