How to Identify King Mackerel

To identify King Mackerel (Scomberomorus cavalla), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

torpedo

Coloration

Dorsal side iridescent blue-green, fading to silvery on the flanks and belly. Juveniles (under 5 kg) often have distinct bronze spots on their flanks, which fade with age. The lateral line drops sharply below the second dorsal fin.

Scale type

none

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Absence of scales on the body, except for the corselet (a patch of scales behind the head and around the pectoral fins)., Sharp, triangular teeth set in a single row in both jaws., Lateral line with a distinct, sharp dip below the second dorsal fin., No black tip on the anterior part of the first dorsal fin (distinguishes from Spanish Mackerel).

Dorsal fin

Two dorsal fins. The first is spiny (14-16 spines), and the second is soft-rayed (15-18 rays), followed by 8-10 finlets. The first dorsal fin is typically dusky or whitish, lacking the prominent black tip seen in Spanish Mackerel.

Tail fin

Deeply forked caudal fin (tail fin), characteristic of fast-swimming pelagic fish.

Pectoral fin

Short, located high on the body.

Distinctive fins

8-10 dorsal finlets and 7-9 anal finlets following the soft dorsal and anal fins, respectively. These finlets aid in reducing turbulence and improving hydrodynamic efficiency.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Lateral Line

   The most reliable distinguishing feature is the sharp dip in the lateral line below the second dorsal fin. In contrast, the Spanish Mackerel's lateral line gradually curves downwards.

2. 2

   First Dorsal Fin

   The anterior part of the first dorsal fin is typically dusky or whitish in King Mackerel, never black-tipped like in Spanish Mackerel.

3. 3

   Body Spots

   Juvenile King Mackerel have bronze spots on their flanks, which fade with age. Spanish Mackerel retain prominent yellow-gold spots throughout their lives.

4. 4

   Size

   King Mackerel grow significantly larger than Spanish Mackerel. Any mackerel over 5 kg (11 lbs) is almost certainly a King Mackerel.

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