Overview
Very fast pelagic predator of the western Atlantic. Hunts in schools slashing fish with razor-sharp teeth.
Identification
Streamlined bodySharp teethForked tailLong anal finPointed dorsal finBright colorationLack of spots on bodyCrescent-shaped caudal fin
- Body
- Elongated, streamlined body with a crescent-shaped tail.
- Colouration
- Blue-green coloration on the back with silvery sides and a white belly.
- Sexual dimorphism
- Absent/not obvious
- Growth
- Fast, grows quickly in the first year of life.
Taxonomy
- Family
- Scombridae
- Order
- Perciformes
- Class
- Actinopterygii
Related species
Scomberomorus maculatusScomberomorus commersonScomberomorus guttatusScomberomorus munroiScomberomorus concolor
Habitat & distribution
- Environment
- coast, open_sea, reefs, pelagic
- Preferred bottom
- sand, reef
- Geographic distribution
- Widespread in the western Atlantic, from the New England coast to Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean.
- Micro-habitat
- Prefers warm, clear waters, often near sandy bottoms or coral reefs.
Prefers warm, well-oxygenated waters near coral reefs and sandy bottoms.
Presence by sea area
Na Costa Est CentroPeak
Na Costa Est SudPeak
Na Golfo MessicoPeak
Na CaraibiPeak
Sa Brasile NordPeak
Sa Brasile EstPeak
Diet
- Primary prey
- pelagic fish, small cephalopods, shrimp
- Secondary prey
- squid, anchovies, sardines
- Occasional prey
- crab larvae, jellyfish
- Feeding behaviour
- Extremely fast predator that hunts in schools, slicing through fish with its sharp teeth.
- Natural predators
- sharks, large tunas, dolphins
Excellent predator due to speed and agility, capable of quickly pursuing prey.
Behaviour
- Activity
- diurnal
- Social behaviour
- small_groups
- Aggressiveness
- high
- Migration
- Conducts seasonal migrations to warmer waters during winter.
- Seasonal behaviour
- During winter, migrates to warmer waters to optimize body temperature and food resources.
- Juveniles
- Juveniles tend to form large protective schools to avoid predators.
- Adults
- Adults form small groups while hunting, displaying more aggressive behaviors.
Reproduction
- Spawning season
- April, May, June
- Spawning depth
- between 20 and 60 meters
- Eggs
- Pelagic eggs with a diameter between 1.5 and 1.8 mm, pelagic.
- Larval stage
- Larvae are planktonic and move toward protected areas as they grow.
- Sexual maturity
- 3-4 years
When to catch King mackerel
Activity calendar
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
PeakGoodLowInactive
Activity by season
Best times
Dayalba, mattino
Night—
This species shows peak fishing activity in spring, summer and autumn, when the productivity index (FPI) reaches its highest values.
Fishing activity decreases in winter, when conditions are less favourable.
Ideal conditions
Atmospheric pressure
Low
Approaches coast, very active.
Medium
Regular activity.
High
Moves away from coast.
Barometric trend
Rising
Moves away from coast.
Stable
Productive trolling along reefs.
Falling
Approaches, aggressive bite.
Water temperature
10°COptimal zone: 14-24°C27°C
Preferred tide: moving
Where to catch it
Best spots
pierscoral reefsopen deep watersinlets
Bottom preference
Spot type
Fishing techniques
Recommended
trollingdriftingspinninglongline
Other applicable
Trolling OceanicoTraina CostieraSpinningLive BaitingSpinning VeloceBolentinoRock FishingSpinning MedioSpinning Pesante
Recommended baits
live baitfishsquid stripsartificial luresanchovies
Baits by pressure
Low
Rapala magnum / lungo da trainaSkirted trolling (Pusher/Chugger)Wire rig con esca vivaCucchiaino casting (gold/silver)Feather jigMetal jig medio (40-100g)High-speed lure (Wahoo bomb)
Medium
Cigar minnowSardina vivaSgombro vivoAcciuga vivaEsca viva (generica)Trancio di sardina
High
Cigar minnowRapala magnum / lungo da trainaSardina viva
Catch & handling tips
- Fight
- Fights vigorously with fast runs and attempts to dive deep.
- Handling
- Use gloves to avoid sharp teeth.
- Release
- Release quickly keeping the fish in the water as much as possible.
Curiosities & culture
- Record catches
- The IGFA world record for King mackerel is 42.42 kg caught in 1999 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. This species is renowned for sport fishing along the Atlantic coast, where specimens over 20 kg are considered prestigious trophies.
- In the kitchen
- Valued for its flavorful meat, often used in dishes like 'ceviche' and grilling.
- Cultural notes
- Symbol of abundance in Caribbean cultures.
- Historical notes
- Traditional fishing practiced by Native Americans on the Atlantic coast for centuries.
