Scomberomorus regalis
Cero, Spotted Cero, Black-Spotted Spanish Mackerel
The Cero Mackerel is iridescent bluish green above and silvery below. The Cero has yellow spots along its side, but it also has a distinct dark line that runs the length of its body from the pectoral fin to the base of the tail. The pectoral fins are covered with small scales.
Cero Mackerel feed mainly on small schooling fish, such as sardines, anchovies, pilchards, herring, and silversides, as well as squid and shrimp.
Found in tropical and subtropical waters in the western Atlantic, Cero Mackerel range from Massachusetts to Brazil; they are common to abundant throughout the Florida Keys, the Bahamas, the Antilles, and Cuba.
The Cero Mackerel is a near-shore and offshore resident. They prefer clear waters around coral reefs and wrecks, and are usually solitary or travels in small groups.
Cero Mackeral averages one to five pounds, but 10-pounders are not rare. The maximum approaches 20 pounds.
17 pounds, 2 ounces (IGFA)