Description:
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, S. cavalla.
Where found:
INSHORE, NEARSHORE and OFFSHORE, especially over grass
beds and reefs; absent from north Florida waters in
winter.
Size:
average catch less than 2 pounds (20 inches).
*Florida
Record: 12 lbs.
Remarks:
schooling fish that migrates northward in spring,
returning to southerly waters when water temperature drops
below 70 degrees F; spawns OFFSHORE, spring through
summer; feeds on small fish and squid.
* The
Florida records quoted are from the Department of
Environmental Protection's printed publication, Fishing
Lines and are not necessarily the most current ones. The
records are provided as only as a benchmark.
Regulations
Min. Size
Limits: Not less than 12" at the fork.
Closed Seasons: None.
Daily Rec. Bag Limit:
15 per person per day.
Remarks:
Transfer to other vessels at
sea is prohibited.
