Distinguishing Characteristics |
Body elongate, strongly compressed; snout is pointed; color bluish green above, silvery on sides and below, yellow to bronze spots on sides; 1st 1/3 portion of 1st dorsal fin is black; series of small finlets behind dorsal and anal fin; tail lunate in shape; lateral line with gradual decline to caudal peduncle; has 2 flaps separating pelvic fins (interpelvic process). |
Similar Species |
King and Spanish mackerel are very similar in appearance, but the king mackerel's lateral line curves abruptly downward under 2nd dorsal, the Spanish mackerel's lateral line has a gentle downward curve; the king mackerel's 1st dorsal fin has no black area like the Spanish mackerel does. |
Habitat |
Gulf and bay |
Maximum Size |
104 cm (3 1/2 ft), common to 50 cm (19 1/2 in) |
Fin Element Counts |
D. XVII+1,18+VII-IX (finlets); A. II,17+IX (fInlets) (explain) |
Other Common Names |
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Previous Scientific Names |
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Comments |
Smaller king mackerels have gold yellow spots similar to Spanish mackerel. Confusion on this characteristics usually leads to illegal landings of undersized king mackerels. |
State size/bag limits |
Minimum size 14 in.; bag limit 15; Check for state record. |