Dry Tortugas Fish Identification
Cero (cero mackerel)
Family Scombridae, MACKERELS and TUNAS
Scomberomorous regalis
![[ Sketch ]](../images/mackcero.gif)
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 tail; front of first dorsal fin is bluish black; lateral line curves gradually to base of caudal fin.
Similar Fish: Spanish mackerel, S. maculatus; king mackerel, S. cavalla (only the cero has the yellow-brown stripes from the pectoral to caudal fin).
Where found: coral reefs and wrecks.
Size: common to 5 pounds.
Florida Record: 15 lbs., 8 ozs.