Spanish mackerel, scientifically known as Scomberomorus maculatus, are fast-swimming predatory fish that migrate according to water temperature and season.

There are two primary stocks of Spanish mackerel, one in the Atlantic and one in the Gulf of Mexico. Another large stock also lives near Northern Australia.

Spanish mackerel are also known as spotted cybium, bay mackerel, spotted mackerel, Spaniard, and simply mackerel.

There are as many as 21 subspecies of Spanish mackerel worldwide in tropical and subtropical waters. They are surface-level fish that stay mainly in the shallows.

Characteristics & Appearance

Usually confused with juvenile king mackerel, the Spanish mackerel is smaller. Several differences between the two species can help with the identification process.

Weight & Length

As fast-growing fish, Spanish mackerel can reach up to 37 inches and weigh as much as 12 pounds over their lifetime.

They can grow as much as 12 inches in one year. Most Spanish mackerel caught tend to be around 12 to 18 inches and weigh only two to three pounds.

The world record for a Spanish mackerel caught in the wild was almost 78 inches in length and weighed approximately 119 pounds. Someone caught it near Fraser Beach, Australia in 2015.

Physical Characteristics & Color

Spanish mackerels have a fusiform, or torpedo-shaped, body that can slice through the water at quick speeds.

Tiny scales cover their bodies, adding to their flexibility and agility in the water. The fork shape of their tails also helps with maneuverability and acceleration.

They have greenish backs with silvery bellies and sides. Their distinct yellow-gold spots are different from the king mackerel and the cero mackerel.

The dorsal fin is also jet black, whereas king mackerels are gray. Along their backs, they have a marked difference in their lateral lines when compared to king mackerel.

Their lines just barely dip below their anal fin, where there is a pronounced dip on the king mackerel. Spanish mackerels have large mouths.

Each powerful jaw has approximately 60 closely spaced spiky teeth that are incredibly sharp. These teeth help them to capture their prey and defend themselves from predators.

Lifespan & Reproduction

The average lifespan of a Spanish mackerel is typically twelve years, although there are records of several fish living as long as 25 years.

They generally prefer to stay in the coastal waters but will occasionally venture out further over seagrass beds.

They typically remain in large schools to hunt and migrate. Spanish mackerel schools can measure 20 miles in length.

Both the female and male mackerel can start reproducing at the age of two. Their spawning season is between April and September at night in the northern hemisphere.

In the Atlantic, they prefer to spawn off the coast of Virginia and North Carolina. In the Gulf of Mexico, they prefer shallow areas.

The females lay their eggs in batches throughout a spawning season, releasing between 500,000 and 1,500,000 eggs.

The fertilized eggs will hatch in as little as 25 hours in warm waters and as much as 120 hours in cooler waters.

Habitat

Spanish mackerel are tropical and subtropical regional fish. They will stay in warmer waters and follow currents to do so.

They are surface-level fish, meaning they tend to stay near the water’s surface since that is where the warmer temperatures are.

They also prefer open water but will explore deeper areas with seagrass. They will migrate toward shallower waters in the spring for mating.

Where Do Spanish Mackerel Live?

Spanish mackerel tend to move quickly from one place to the next, serving as a source of frustration to many fishermen. They prefer water temperature at about 68 degrees.

The Atlantic Spanish mackerel can range as far north as New England and as far south as the Florida Keys.

The Gulf of Mexico stock can be found in the northern part of the gulf west of Cape San Blas, Florida in the warmer months and move down toward the tip of Florida in the winter.

Food & Diet

Spanish mackerels are piscivorous predators, meaning they eat fish. They mostly prey on small fish like sardines and hunt in groups that chase schools of fish. They are certainly not passive fish that wait for food to come to them.

What Do Spanish Mackerel Eat?

This species will work together to trap schools of smaller fish into small areas to form tight bundles. Then they will virtually force them out of the water to feed, which is called a feeding frenzy.

Spanish mackerel will mainly prey on herring, sardines, anchovies, mullet, needlefish, and menhaden. They will also feed on small crab, squid, and shrimp to a lesser extent.

They mainly hunt during the early morning and late evening hours; however, they will eat during the day as they find prey. They rarely eat at night, choosing to conserve energy for hunts at first light.

They are opportunistic hunters, meaning if they happen to find a school of their preferred prey any time of day, they will take that moment to feed.

Although, while they are feeding, their predators are also opportunistic and will prey on them at their most vulnerable time.

Threats & Predators

Spanish mackerel have numerous predators, including tuna, whales, dolphins, sharks, tortoises, and sea lions.

Dolphins and sharks are the predominant predators of Spanish mackerels. Humans have also been a threat to Spanish mackerel, almost fishing them to the point of endangerment.

Human Threats

People consider these feisty fish as great sports fish since they will fight against the line, but this species has made a strong comeback in North America due to federal and state regulations.

Many Gulf and Atlantic states will have mackerel seasons, size or weight minimums, bag limits, and other regulations to keep the population thriving and in check.

Commercial regulations have short windows or seasons. Seasons can close early if the quotas are met early.

NOAA Fisheries and regional councils monitor the regulations. Elsewhere in the world, stocks of Spanish mackerel face severe threats due to commercial overfishing.

Climate Change & Global Warming
Fillet Spanish Mackerel Step By Step (And How To Get Rid Of …

Spanish mackerels cannot regulate their body temperature, so they mainly stay in areas with the water temperature right around 68 degrees Fahrenheit.

Waters with this temperature are usually tropical and subtropical. However, with the threat of global warming, Spanish mackerel have been migrating further north into the coastal waters of New England.

Predators

In much the same way mackerels hunt their food, pods of dolphins or whales or schools of tuna will encircle mackerel into tight balls, then charge through them to feed.

Similarly, sea lions will force the school into tight balls, but they will pick off the fish on the edges. Sharks will separate fish from the school to attack and feed.

Sharks will disorientate the fish with the striking motions of their powerful tails, causing some to move away from the school instead of with it.

Tortoises will feed on the smaller, immature fish and hatchlings, and pelicans will scoop Spanish mackerel up while they are fishing for food near the surface of the water.

Other Threats

Other threats to Spanish mackerel worldwide include commercial overfishing of their primary prey. Pollution is another threatening factor to the Spanish mackerel population.

Oftentimes, the trash is mistaken as food which will then become lodged in their systems and chokes them. Or they get ensnared in the pieces and die as they struggle to free themselves.

Conservation Status

In North America, the Spanish mackerel is not considered to be overfished or in danger of being overfished.

Commercial and recreational regulations and efforts have been effective in stabilizing the population and labeling them as sustainable.

Fun Facts About Spanish Mackerel

• Spanish mackerel can reach speeds up to 30 miles an hour for short bursts of time.
• Juvenile Spanish mackerel can grow up to 12 inches in one year. After that, they slow their growth to a few inches in a year.
• People can find subspecies of Spanish mackerel as far as the east coast of Africa and to the Middle East in the northern parts of the Indian Ocean.
• Spanish mackerel in the Gulf of Mexico have higher levels of mercury than those in the Atlantic Ocean.
• The first dorsal fin of a Spanish mackerel will have 17 to 19 spines.

• Author: americanoceans.org

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• Sumary: Spanish mackerel, scientifically known as Scomberomorus maculatus, are fast-swimming predatory fish that migrate according to water temperature and season.

• Matching Result: Spanish mackerels are piscivorous predators, meaning they eat fish. They mostly prey on small fish like sardines and hunt in groups that chase schools of fish.

• Intro: Spanish Mackerel – American Oceans Spanish mackerel, scientifically known as Scomberomorus maculatus, are fast-swimming predatory fish that migrate according to water temperature and season. There are two primary stocks of Spanish mackerel, one in the Atlantic and one in the Gulf of Mexico. Another large stock also lives near Northern…

• Source: https://www.americanoceans.org/species/spanish-mackerel/

• Author: coastobx.com

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• Sumary: Capt. Brian Horsley Summer is here, and with it comes our summer visitors both on land and in the ocean. One of the most popular summer visitor is the Spanish mackerel. It is a very…

• Matching Result: They are rarely seen on the menu in restaurants on the Outer Banks, but Spanish mackerel are wonderful to eat. Mackerels are also one of the richest sources for …

• Intro: Spanish mackerel popular fish, and great eating – Coast OBX Capt. Brian Horsley Summer is here, and with it comes our summer visitors both on land and in the ocean. One of the most popular summer visitor is the Spanish mackerel. It is a very popular local fish and excellent…

• Source: https://coastobx.com/spanish-mackerel-popular-fish-and-great-eating/

• Author: tacklevillage.com

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• Sumary: Spanish mackerel are one of the most sought-after fish in the ocean due to their exceptional taste and nutrient-packed meat. Spanish mackerel can be cooked

• Matching Result: Spanish mackerels are an incredibly healthy type of fish that can be eaten raw but it should be done very carefully because its meat can be …

• Intro: Are Spanish Mackerel Good to Eat? Spanish mackerel are one of the most sought-after fish in the ocean due to their exceptional taste and nutrient-packed meat. Spanish mackerel can be cooked and eaten in a variety of different methods, as long as it’s cooked properly. In this article, we’ll discuss…

• Source: https://tacklevillage.com/are-spanish-mackerel-good-to-eat-2/

• Author: forums.floridasportsman.com

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• Sumary: Caught a couple Spanish Mackerel while drifting with live pilchards over the Haulover artificial reef, nice fight on light tackle! As usual since I planned to eat the fish, I prepped them for the table. First a stab to…

• Matching Result: Both Cero and Spanish can be sushi/sashimi grade meat if you bleed them immediately and serve the same day.

• Intro: Spanish Mackerel – good eats! Caught a couple Spanish Mackerel while drifting with live pilchards over the Haulover artificial reef, nice fight on light tackle! As usual since I planned to eat the fish, I prepped them for the table. First a stab to the brain and then slit the…

• Source: https://forums.floridasportsman.com/discussion/239246/spanish-mackerel-good-eats

• Author: dailydelish.us

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• Sumary: ..Advertisements.. CONTINUE READING BELOW What animals eat mackerel? Mackerels have numerous natural enemies. Tunas, whales, dolphins, sea lions, sharks, tortoises and pelicans often consume mackerels. Is Spanish mackerel good fish to eat? Spanish Mackerels are also one of the richest sources for Omega-3 fatty acids….

• Matching Result: Mackerels have numerous natural enemies. Tunas, whales, dolphins, sea lions, sharks, tortoises and pelicans often consume mackerels. Is Spanish mackerel good …

• Intro: What eats spanish mackerel? ..Advertisements.. CONTINUE READING BELOW What animals eat mackerel? Mackerels have numerous natural enemies. Tunas, whales, dolphins, sea lions, sharks, tortoises and pelicans often consume mackerels. Is Spanish mackerel good fish to eat? Spanish Mackerels are also one of the richest sources for Omega-3 fatty acids. These…

• Source: https://dailydelish.us/faq/what-eats-spanish-mackerel/

• Author: saltstrong.com

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• Sumary: Want to know how to fillet Spanish mackerel and get the “fishy” taste out? Learn how to clean them step by step for delicious fish fillets.

• Matching Result: Want to learn how to fillet Spanish mackerel the easy way? These fish often get a bad rap for tasting “fishy,” but if you do it right, …

• Intro: How To Fillet Spanish Mackerel (And Get Rid Of The Fishy Taste)Want to learn how to fillet Spanish mackerel the easy way?These fish often get a bad rap for tasting “fishy,” but if you do it right, you’ll be left with nice white fillets that are surprisingly delicious (especially as…

• Source: https://www.saltstrong.com/articles/how-to-fillet-spanish-mackerel/

• Author: deq.nc.gov

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• Sumary: Click here to view management info about this species AKA: Spanish Description: Spanish mackerel have greenish backs with silvery sides and belly. Golden yellow

• Matching Result: Eating habits: Spanish mackerel feed on small fish, such as anchovies, sardines, threadfin herring and silversides, as well as shrimp and squid.

• Intro: Spanish Mackerel | NC DEQ Click here to view management info about this species AKA: Spanish Description: Spanish mackerel have greenish backs with silvery sides and belly. Golden yellow spots above and below the lateral line cover the sides of the body. The front of the first dorsal fin is…

• Source: https://deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/marine-fisheries/public-information-and-education/species-profiles/spanish-mackerel

• Author: outdoorboat.com

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• Sumary: What makes Spanish mackerel so popular? Are Spanish mackerel good to eat? The taste of this fish is adorable. They come with a very mild flavor.

• Matching Result: Yes, you can eat Spanish mackerel. It is great for you as it is full of omega-3 fatty acids, which have amazing health benefits. This, too, is a versatile kind …

• Intro: Are Spanish Mackerel Good to Eat? – OutdoorBoat Spanish mackerel comes with a boneless filet which makes them highly acceptable. People all over the world eat Spanish mackerel in various recipes. Most of them prefer this fish as the best barbecue fish. So, what makes Spanish mackerel so popular? Are…

• Source: https://outdoorboat.com/are-spanish-mackerel-good-to-eat/

• Author: fishfiles.com.au

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• Sumary: Mackerel are among Australia’s most popular commercial fishes (particularly in the north of the country). There a number of Mackerel within the family – Blue, Grey, Spanish, School, Spanish and Spotted. All are good to eat and can be cooked in similar ways, but they do differ….

• Matching Result: Spanish mackerel, an especially good eating finfish, produces an attractive plate-size cutlet or an essentially boneless fillet. Mackerel can be fried, baked, …

• Intro: Spanish-Mackerel-209 Stock status overview Distribution Catch trend Fishing gear Overview Mackerel are among Australia’s most popular commercial fishes (particularly in the north of the country). There a number of Mackerel within the family – Blue, Grey, Spanish, School, Spanish and Spotted. All are good to eat and can be cooked…

• Source: https://www.fishfiles.com.au/Consuming/Buying/Choosing-Species/Spanish-Mackerel-209