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Spotted cybium · Bay mackerel · Spotted mackerel

Spanish mackerel

A whole Spanish mackerel photographed from the side, silver with rows of yellow spots and a black front dorsal fin
J. Deeds, NOAA/FDA collection · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

Recognition

Bluish-green back, silver sides with many yellow to bronze spots and no lines or streaks. The front of the first dorsal fin is black.

SC DNR

Waters

Adults in offshore coastal waters, sometimes over rocky bottoms and artificial reefs, and along beaches and in shallow estuaries, bays and sounds. Young fish use nearshore and beachfront waters.

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Months

Apr–Nov

Present in South Carolina waters April to November. Availability is typically highest during spring and fall migrations as schools pass close to shore.

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Months present, by species
SpeciesJanJFebFMarMAprAMayMJunJJulJAugASepSOctONovNDecD
Spanish mackerelJan: not statedFeb: not statedMar: not statedApr: presentMay: presentJun: presentJul: presentAug: presentSep: presentOct: presentNov: presentDec: not stated
  • Present
  • Peak
  • Not stated

Notes

Prey includes menhaden, anchovies, herring, shad, small jacks and pompano.

SC DNR

Size and bag limits