King mackerel
Kingfish
Photo Credit: © Diane Rome Peebles
Family Tunas
Scientific Family Scombridae
Scientific Name Scomberomorus cavalla
Spanish Name Sierra
ITIS# 172435
Tail shape Lunate
Adults have no black area on the anterior part of the first dorsal fin. Juveniles with bronze spots in 5 or 6 irregular rows. Body entirely covered with scales.
Biology
Often found in outer reef areas. Feeds primarily on fishes with smaller quantities of shrimps and squids. Large schools have been found to migrate over considerable distances along the Atlantic US coast, water temperature permitting.
Appearance
Body Shape
Fusiform
Color
Main Color: Black-silver
Other Color: white
Other Color: white
Common Body Shape
Torpedo-shaped
Pattern
None
Length
Avg Length: 28 inches (70 cm)
Max Length: 73 inches (184 cm)
Max Length: 73 inches (184 cm)
Maximum Weight
99.1 lbs (45000 g)
Specifications
Handling Concerns
Reports of ciguatera poisoning
Conservation Concerns
None
Range in USA
MA-TX
Abundance
Very Common
