Species profile
King Mackerel
Scomberomorus cavalla
Identify King Mackerel (Scomberomorus cavalla) from a photo — free, unlimited, no sign-up — with the CatchRules iPhone app. Plus current fishing rules across 16 jurisdictions.
At a glance
King Mackerel (Scomberomorus cavalla) is an IUCN Least Concern bony-fish species regulated in 17 of 66 jurisdictions tracked by CatchRules across the U.S. and Canada.
The strictest bag limit is 2 (Florida); the most generous is 100 (British Columbia).
Across 8 jurisdictions with stated minimum sizes, the average minimum is 26.3 in (≈ 2 ft 2 in).
Confirmed by 106 research-grade iNaturalist observations, with Florida, Texas, and South Carolina the top jurisdictions by observation count.
Notable details
- The all-tackle world record weighs over 93 pounds.
- Razor-sharp teeth can slice cleanly through heavy monofilament fishing line.
- Migrates thousands of miles following warm currents along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts.
- High mercury content prompts FDA warnings to limit consumption for pregnant women.
- The lateral line drops sharply near the pectoral fin, a reliable field ID mark.
Where King Mackerel are seen
Jurisdictions with rules for King Mackerel
Background
The king mackerel or kingfish (Scomberomorus cavalla) is a migratory species of mackerel of the western Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. It is an important species to both the commercial and recreational fishing industries.
Background excerpt adapted from Wikipedia's King Mackerel article (CC BY-SA). Visit Wikipedia for the full entry.
Other bony fish on CatchRules
Frequently asked questions
What is King Mackerel?
King Mackerel (Scomberomorus cavalla) is an IUCN Least Concern bony-fish species regulated in 17 of 66 jurisdictions tracked by CatchRules across the U.S. and Canada.
What is the scientific name for King Mackerel?
King Mackerel is Scomberomorus cavalla.
Is King Mackerel regulated for fishing?
Yes — King Mackerel has fishing regulations in 16 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 King Mackerel?
Take a photo with the free CatchRules iPhone app — on-device identification recognizes King 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.