Texas Gulf Coast Fishing

Cero Mackerel

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; spawns OFFSHSORE in mid summer; feeds on small fish and squid.