Mackerels

Mackerels are fast-swimming fish with elongated bodies that are covered in small scales. Adults have:

• Small finlets running from the dorsal (back) fin and the anal (belly) fin to the tail.
• A broadly forked tail fin.
• Similar-looking dorsal and anal fins.

What species of mackerels live in the Chesapeake Bay?

Two species of mackerels can be found in the Chesapeake Bay:

• The Spanish mackerel, Scomberomorus maculates, has a bluish-colored back and a silvery belly and sides. It also has dark, brassy spots on the sides. Adults can grow to more than 2 feet long.
• The king mackerel, Scomberomorus cavalla, is bluish-green on the back and silver on the sides. Juveniles have small bronze spots. Adults can grow to more than 5 feet long.

Where do mackerels live?

Mackerels visit the middle and lower Chesapeake Bay between spring and autumn. Large schools can be seen near the surface of the water, close to the shore. King mackerels can also be found near reefs, wrecks and other hard structures. During the rest of the year, mackerels live in coastal ocean waters, mostly south of the Chesapeake Bay.

What do mackerels eat?

Mackerels prey on menhaden, anchovies and other seasonally abundant fish. They also eat shrimps and squids.

How do mackerels reproduce?

Mackerels spawn along the Atlantic coast during warm-weather months.

• Spanish mackerels spawn off the coast of Virginia from late spring through late summer.
• King mackerels spawn over the continental shelf from July through September.

Other facts about mackerels:

• The Maryland Chesapeake Bay record Spanish mackerel was caught in October 2002 near Buoy 83. It was 32.5 inches long and weighed nearly 11 pounds.
• Spanish mackerels can live about eight years, while female king mackerels may live to be 14 years old.