Species profile
Atlantic Spanish Mackerel
Scomberomorus maculatus
Identify Atlantic Spanish Mackerel (Scomberomorus maculatus) from a photo: try it free in your browser, or get unlimited IDs, no sign-up, with the CatchRules app. Plus current fishing rules across 12 jurisdictions.
At a glance
Atlantic Spanish Mackerel (Scomberomorus maculatus) is an IUCN Least Concern bony-fish species regulated in 18 of 66 jurisdictions tracked by CatchRules across the U.S. and Canada.
The strictest bag limit is 7 (Federal Waters (NOAA)); the most generous is 100 (British Columbia).
Across 9 jurisdictions with stated minimum sizes, the average minimum is 14.0 in (≈ 1 ft 2 in).
Confirmed by 708 research-grade iNaturalist observations, with Florida, North Carolina, and Alabama the top jurisdictions by observation count.
Notable details
- Distinguished by bright yellow-orange spots scattered across its silvery sides.
- Migrates north in summer and returns south in winter along the Atlantic coast.
- The world record specimen weighed 13 pounds.
- A swift open-water predator that herds baitfish schools near the surface.
- Valued for mild, sweet-flavored flesh that grills and smokes well.
Where Atlantic Spanish Mackerel are seen
Jurisdictions with rules for Atlantic Spanish Mackerel
Background
The Atlantic Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus maculatus) is a migratory species of mackerels that swims to the Northern Gulf of Mexico in spring, returns to south Florida in the Eastern Gulf, and to Mexico in the Western Gulf in the fall.
Background excerpt adapted from Wikipedia's Atlantic Spanish Mackerel article (CC BY-SA). Visit Wikipedia for the full entry.
Other bony fish on CatchRules
Frequently asked questions
What is Atlantic Spanish Mackerel?
Atlantic Spanish Mackerel (Scomberomorus maculatus) is an IUCN Least Concern bony-fish species regulated in 18 of 66 jurisdictions tracked by CatchRules across the U.S. and Canada.
What is the scientific name for Atlantic Spanish Mackerel?
Atlantic Spanish Mackerel is Scomberomorus maculatus.
Is Atlantic Spanish Mackerel regulated for fishing?
Yes — Atlantic Spanish Mackerel has fishing regulations in 12 U.S. states and/or Canadian provinces tracked by CatchRules. See the "Jurisdictions with rules" section above for the binding-source links.
How can I identify Atlantic Spanish Mackerel?
Take a photo with the free CatchRules app for iPhone or Android — on-device identification recognizes Atlantic Spanish Mackerel along with ~1,500 other species. No sign-up, unlimited use.
Photo credit: iNaturalist / Wikipedia. Identification reference only — verify regulations with the issuing wildlife agency before retaining a catch.