(Bloch, 1793); SCOMBRIDAE FAMILY; also
called cero, spotted cero, king mackerel,
black spotted Spanish mackerel, sierra,
pintada, cavalla
While known from New England to Brazil, cero
are primarily fish of the tropical and sub
tropical reefs. They are common throughout
the Florida Keys, West Indies, and Cuba. It
is the most common Scomberomorus species in
the West Indies.
Cero differ from the king mackerel and
Spanish mackerel in having a pattern of both
yellow spots, yellow orange streaks, and a
dark color line running the length of the
body, and a lateral line that gradually
curves down toward the caudal peduncle. The
anterior third of the first dorsal fin is
black like the Spanish mackerel. The
pectoral fins are covered with small scales
like the king mackerel.
They are an epipelagic species that are most
abundant in the clear waters around coral
reefs, usually found solitary or in small
groups. They feed mainly on small schooling
fishes, especially sardines, herrings,
pilchards, anchovies and silversides and
sometimes squids and shrimps.
They are popular game fish and are
frequently taken by commercial fishermen.
Sometimes, cero are used as rigged bait for
larger game fish. Fishing methods are
identical for cero and Spanish mackerel. As
with any mackerel fishing, fast trolling
while looking for baitfish is a good way to
find ceros. Common lures include small
silver spoons and white jigs. They also hit
surface swimming plugs, chuggers, and
shallow running plugs. They have sharp teeth
so a wire leader is essential.
Cero reportedly attain a weight in excess of
22 lb (10 kg), but most caught are much
smaller. They are considered to be excellent
table fare.
