Atlantic Spanish mackerel
Scomberomorus maculatus
Scomberomorus maculatus is a marine predatory fish from the family of mackerels and tunas. For humans it is both in commercial fishing as a sport fish of importance.
Description
The first dorsal fin, with the foremost part is colored black, consists of 17 to 19 hard jets, the second from 17 to 20 soft rays. This is followed by seven to nine Flössel. The anal fin has as the second dorsal fin 17 to 20 soft rays, behind seven to ten Flössel. The caudal fin is large and deeply divided. The pelvic fins are very small. The pectoral fins put on the midsection. The spindle-shaped body reaches a maximum length of 91 centimeters. A swim bladder is absent. The lateral line runs very regularly from the second dorsal fin drops its course slightly. On the flanks of Scomberomorus maculatus is silvery - bluish gloss, along the lateral line running three superimposed rows of dark spots.
Distribution, habitat and way of life
Scomberomorus maculatus inhabits the continental shelf in the Gulf of Mexico and the east coast of North America to about 19 ° North, Florida and the Greater Antilles. Prior to the Bahamas, the species is not represented. Preference is given to water depths of 10 to 35 meters.
Scomberomorus maculatus is a predator that feeds mainly on small fish such as anchovies, but rarely also on crustaceans and cephalopods. Often they will stay in large groups in coastal waters.