Cero Mackerel

Scomberomorus regalis

The cero mackerel (Scomberomorus regalis) is a streamlined, fast-swimming predator reaching up to 91 cm and 5.4 kg. It has an elongated body with a dark blue-green back, silvery sides marked with distinctive rows of golden-yellow spots and streaks along the lateral line, and a deeply forked tail. Found in the western Atlantic from Massachusetts to Brazil, including the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico, it inhabits coral reefs, rocky coastlines, and offshore waters at depths of 1 to 20 meters. This species is a visual predator that hunts small fish, squid, and shrimp at high speed. Often seen in small groups patrolling reef edges and drop-offs, it can be distinguished from other mackerels by its prominent golden lateral stripe. Divers on Caribbean reef walls frequently encounter these sleek hunters as they cruise along the edge of the reef.