Cero

Cero

Scombermorus regalis
Cero

Average Weight/Length

Averages 1-5 pounds, but 10-pounders are not rare, and the maximum approaches 20 pounds. World record 17 pounds, 2 ounces; Florida record 15 pounds, 8 ounces.

Other "Popular" Names for this Fish

Cero Mackerel, Painted, Mackerel, Sierra, Pintada

Location Habitat

Western Atlantic: Massachusetts, USA to Brazil, including the Bahamas and West Indies. Most abundant in clear waters around coral reefs, occasionally forming schools. Feeds on clupeoids (Harengula, Jenkinsia and Opisthonema) and atherinids (Allanetta [= Craterocephalus), squids and shrimps. Good food and game fish. Utilized fresh, smoked and frozen; consumed pan-fried, broiled and baked. Sometimes called the "Painted Mackerel"

Biology & Physical Description

Similar to the Spanish Mackerel, except that the marks take the form both of spots and of broken lines. Dorsal spines (total): 16 - 18; Dorsal soft rays (total): 15-19; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 15 - 20; Vertebrae: 47 - 48. Interpelvic process small and bifid. Lateral line gently curving down toward caudal peduncle. Intestine with 2 folds and 3 limbs. Swim bladder absent. Body covered with small scales. Anterior third of first dorsal fin black. Pelvic fins relatively long. Sides silvery with one long mid-lateral stripe and with several rows of yellow-orange streaks of variable length and small yellow spots above and below the stripe.

Geographic Species Map (Fishbase.org Map)

Summary of Distribution: Western Atlantic: Massachusetts, USA to Brazil, including the Bahamas and West Indies.

Note: Distribution range colors indicate degree of suitability of habitat which can be interpreted as probabilities of occurrence (fishbase.org)

Sport Fishing Techniques

Gill nets

Gill-nets are the dominant gear in the Indian Ocean. Gill-nets are used in artisanal and semi-industrial fisheries, contributing to 30-40% of the total catch. The net design is comprised of continuous panels of uniform mesh size, aimed to trap fish behind the gills. The International Sustainable Seafood Foundation (ISSF) notes that rates of sharks and turtle by-catch in Indian Ocean gill-net fisheries are high..

River Drift

River Drift means to use the....

Trawling

Trawling is when....

Tackle & Baits

Spinning, baitcasting and fly outfits. Spinning is often best because the faster retrieve of a spinning reel is sometimes needed to move a lure at a pace that will interest the Mackerel. Best lures are small white nylon jigs and silver spoons, but many others work, including topwaters at times. Flies should be small and with lots of flash. Best baits are small silvery baitfish, live shrimp and drifted strips.

Game Rating

Game Rating : 8.5/10

Game Description :

Outstanding; very fast runs.

Food Rating

Game Rating : 8/10

Game Description :

Very good. Lighter flesh than the Spanish Mackerel, but nearly as oily.