blue mackerel vs spanish mackerel

Fishing regulations for Kings and Spaniards are completely different, so if you want to avoid a hefty fine for missing your size and bag limits, you better know how to tell them apart. Let’s say you get away without a fine. Anna Maria Island Fishing: A Complete Guide, Fishing in Cedar Key: All You Need to Know, Fishing in Fort Myers Beach: An Angler's Guide. Coronavirus: Now contacting patients to schedule COVID-19 vaccine appointments. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. Like most mackerel, Spanish mackerel have a blue-green back with silvery colored sides and underbelly. But you should. Thanks for bringing this to our attention, Phil. Juvenile King Mackerel vs. Spanish Mackerel Easy ID Tuesday, December 8, 2009 at 2:55 by Michael "SnookMook" Wilson It’s the time of year when the mackerel are running along the Gulf coast of … King mackerel, from the Western Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico, has a high mercury content. Dorsal fins on a King Mackerel often fold when the fish are taken out of the water. On a Spanish Mackerel, the front end of the first dorsal is distinctively black. Thanks again for sharing, and have a great day! Did you know that the Broad Barred Mackerel is often confused with Narrow Barred Spanish Mackerel? These silvery, long, and slender fish are equally abundant along the Atlantic coast, as well as in the Gulf. Posted June 28, 2018 by Chad Reyer. Their slender bullet-shaped bodies are blue and silver, spotted with golden yellow or olive ovals. There are several rows of distinctive permanent bright yellow spots along their sides. All Rights Reserved. Absent from north Florida waters in the winter. Seeing as they’re so similar, you could easily catch both and not realize that you’ve got two different fish on board. Policy. Scientific name: Scomber australasicus English name: Blue mackerel French name: Maquereau tacheté Spanish name: Caballa pintoja Local Name: Southern mackerel ID no. Today, only the edible portions are included. Spanish mackerel have long, narrow bodies. They are all oily fish with a strong flavour. The Japanese Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus niphonius), also known as the Japanese seerfish, is a species of true mackerel in the scombrid family (). The Atlantic mackerel has silvery blue sides, a greenish blue back marked with 23 to 33 wavy black lines, and white undersides. We’ll update the infographic with a more accurate image to avoid causing any confusion in the future. It averages between 35 and 45 cm (14 to 18 in) long and about 500 g (1 lb) or less in weight. Albacore tuna, one of the more popular fish in the United States, is consistently high in methylmercury. These are: Now that you know how to tell King Mackerel and Spanish Mackerel apart, you’re all set to catch your next keeper! “Another popular option is to pair herring with mustard and dill.”. Female grey mackerel produce more than 250,000 eggs per spawning and off the northern Queensland coast, spawning occurs several times during the spring/summer season between October and February. Spanish are long, slender fish, silver in base color with their topsides a greenish-blue color and golden-yellow spots on their sides. Spanish mackerel could be one of two fish both going by the same nickname. They fish for mackerel species using gear and methods including trolls (baited lines drawn behind boats), shore-based drift fishing with balloons, and spear guns. Zumpano suggests limiting Spanish mackerel as well due to mercury concerns. The first dorsal fin on a King Mackerel is lightly-colored across its length. But the Spanish mackerel features a black spot on the first dorsal fin that the king mackerel lacks. Cleveland Clinic © 1995-2021. Here’s What to Eat to Reduce Inflammation, 6 Health Benefits of Drinking Pickle Juice, Not in the First Wave to Get the COVID-19 Vaccine? “Fresh tuna is a great source of omega-3s,” says Zumpano. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. You’re not necessarily safer with canned tuna, either. Herring contains less mercury than other omega-3-rich fish you may be eating, like tuna, king mackerel, swordfish and halibut. iridescent blue-grey back; silver sides with bluish reflections; juveniles frequently spotted. You come home after your outing, and you can’t wait to show everyone what a good time you had. Exposure to high levels of mercury increases the risk of cognitive defects and other health problems. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Fish hooked in the tail typically take a lot longer to reel in. “Try grilling or poaching mackerel to throw over a salad, or serve it with a side of grilled veggies,” she notes. King mackerel is much larger. Bag limits vary by state, but in most cases you can expect it to be around 15 Spanish Mackerel, and between one and three King Mackerel. They often have silvery-colored scales, some with stripes or spots. And now, we turn it over to you. And the Best Kinds to Include in Your Diet, Feeling Beat Up After Your Workout? Adult Spanish mackerel and juvenile king mackerel can look a lot alike. Forget the color of the fins, in these two pictures the spanish is shown with two fins on top and the picture of the kingfish is showing only one fin on top. Did you ever have trouble telling which Mackerel it was? And if you can’t get enough Mackerel, be sure to check out our guide to the various types of Mackerel in North America. Preparation & Cooking: Mackerels differ in flesh from the softer dark red of Blue Mackerel to the firm near white flesh of Spanish Mackerel. Both are long, slender fish with a forked tail and bronze-colored spots on the body. The variety of Spanish mackerel caught in the winter season is called kanzawara, and they are more buttery and super-tasty, as well. Similarities. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. To our surprise it was a 25 lb broad barred Spanish mackerel hooked in the tail. Spanish mackerel are the most popular variety, caught by commercial fishermen. As we mentioned, the regulations are different. © 2019 FishingBooker.com. King Mackerel vs. Spanish Mackerel. Worried about encountering the entire fish, head intact? Before we highlight the differences between King Mackerel and Spanish Mackerel, let’s cover a few similarities. As you probably know by now, King Mackerel grow a lot bigger than their Spanish relatives. Blue mackerel, are usually found in inshore waters and larger adults form schools in depths of 40-200 metres across the continental shelf. Sardines provide 2 grams of heart-healthy omega-3s per 3 ounce serving, which is one of the highest levels of omega-3 and the lowest levels of mercury of any fish. Zumpano suggests limiting Spanish mackerel as well due to mercury concerns. Also, Spanish Mackerel have three rows of elliptical yellow spots dotting the sides of their bodies. The minimum size requirement for Spanish Mackerel is only 12 inches. Policy, “You can’t go wrong with sardines,” says Zumpano. Expand your protein options with these varieties. For Kings, it’s 24 and above (in Texas, it’s 27). Nothing beats fish for a heart-healthy protein, rich in omega-3. Frequent Misidentification: Broad-barred mackerel Features that distinguish Spanish mackerel from grey mackerel: numerous thin, wavy vertical bands on the body back is iridescent blue-grey; Distribution: along the length of the Queensland coast They have a banded pattern, narrow dark blue or black bars running vertically along the body, narrower than the bars on their relative, the broad-barred Spanish mackerel (also called the grey mackerel). Try serving sardines sprinkled with lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of olive oil or with chopped tomatoes and basil, oregano or another Italian seasoning. The dorsal fin is a very dark grey or black, and this “pirate flag” top fin is a good way to positively identify a Spanish mackerel. If you’re going to enjoy fish, it’s best to choose fish that are highest in this essential nutrient. It is known to be a spring-season fish and is very popular from spring to early summer. And discover three popular fish to avoid. Spanish mackerel (sawara) Sawara is the largest mackerel among the four listed here. They are distinguished from the Cero or King Mackerel in having these spots without stripes … Annual catches of Spanish mackerel have been relatively stable since 2007, at around 70–100 tonnes (t). Scomberomorus cavalla it's Latin name can be up to 45 kilo grams. Atlantic and Atka mackerel from Alaska are high in inflammation-fighting omega-3s and low in mercury, but not all mackerel get a thumbs-up. Fitness, health and wellness tips sent to you weekly. What’s likely causing the confusion is that the dorsal fin on the King Mackerel shown the infographic is folded. The Spanish mackerel, also occasionally referred to as the Atlantic Spanish mackerel, is a type of fish.It is usually green and silver in color with yellowish spots on the belly. Let us know in the comments below. From sardines to mackerel, fish has a multitude of benefits ranging from omega-3 acids to protein. At one year old they are around 8 inches and at four years old they are about 14 inches. Slimy or Blue Mackerel are caught commercially by small purse seines for use as both live and dead bait in domestic tuna fisheries. Thing is, everybody can see that you’re not actually holding a keeper Spanish Mackerel, but a very small Kingfish. Spotted mackerel Features that distinguish school mackerel from spotted mackerel: sides of adult - about three rows of poorly defined bronze-grey blotches first dorsal fin - membrane is jet black with a large contrasting areas of intense white between sixth and last spine first dorsal fin - … Aug 19, 2020. For Kings, it’s 24 and above (in Texas, it’s 27). However, before they mature, juvenile Kingfish are often very similar in size to grown Spanish Mackerel. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Spanish Mackerel will average 14 inches long and 2-3 pounds, with the world record of a 13-pounder caught in Ocracoke Inlet, North Carolina. The dorsal fin on Spanish Mackerel is a little more pronounced, with a dark tip at the front. With that in mind, we’ve made this quick guide to recognizing King Mackerel vs. Spanish Mackerel. They are dark blue along the top, becoming silvery towards the centre and underneath. “Try grilling or poaching mackerel to throw over a salad, or serve it with a side of grilled veggies,” she notes. “Since sardines are more likely to be sustainably caught, they’re a safe choice for pregnant and nursing women,” notes Zumpano. Larger mackerels such as Spanish and Spotted Mackerel are often served as either steaks or cutlets, which are well suited to grilling and BBQ'ing. Another bonus: Atlantic Spanish mackerel is a sustainable option, plentifully found on the East Coast of the United States. Herring also boasts more omega-3 fatty acids than either salmon or tuna, which are essential to human health since our bodies can’t make these fats. Meanwhile, think twice about ordering these popular fish or adding them to your grocery cart: “Sure, tilapia is a lean source of protein, but it lacks the omega-3 content of fatty fish like salmon, tuna, herring and sardines,” says Zumpano. Spanish mackerel is a popular target for recreational fishers; it’s good to eat and also a light game fish known for its fighting ability. Catfish, which is 90% imported, often comes from contaminated waters and may contain dangerous chemicals and antibiotics. However, generally members of this group share a similar torpedo-shaped body, and many have short finlets prior to their tail fins. Each of the various species has its own unique coloration, shape, and size. What was the biggest Mackerel you ever caught? The mackerel loves the open waters in tropical and temperate waters. Any recipe calling for salmon fillets can be adapted to Spanish mackerel. Young king mackerel have a similar coloration with the yellow spots but these fade as they get older. King Mackerel and Spanish Mackerel are two of the most popular game fish in the country. Their maximum reported length is 100 cm, and the maximum reported weight is 10.57 kg. “The same is true for canned light tuna unless you’re purchasing from a company that checks the mercury levels of each can,” continues Zumpano. Learn more about vaccine availability. You come home after your outing, and you can’t wait to show everyone what a goo… You have successfully subscribed to our newsletter. Want to learn how to catch Spanish mackerel without spending a ton of money on gas trolling or searching for them?In this video, Capt. When purchasing canned fish, be sure that it’s BPA-free. However, there are a few varieties that are healthier for you than others. King Mackerel don’t, at least when they’re fully grown. After striking, line was peeling off the reel. All rights reserved. Juvenile Kings, however, boast these very same yellow spots. Recreational fishers mainly target this offshore pelagic species between Perth and Dampier. Most people don’t get enough omega-3s in their diet. On November 4, 1987, Woody Outlaw caught a world-record 13 pound Spanish mackerel on a blue and white Sea Witch with a strip of fastback menhaden on a 7/0 hook, held by a Shimano bait-casting reel on a Kuna rod with 30-pound test line. 1000-2000 gr. Also known as blue mackerel, Japanese mackerel, Pacific mackerel, slimy mackerel, or spotted chub mackerel. Schooling fish migrate northwards during the spring returning to southerly waters when water temperatures start to drop below 70 degrees. We fished inside the great barrier reef and caught several species of fish. It was hard to turn and took quite a while to get it to the boat. Spanish Mackerels are beautifully colored finfish caught off both Florida coasts. For a quick snack, serve sardines on whole grain crackers. If you’re bored with salmon, try three underappreciated fish that are packed with omega-3 and sustainably sourced. These fish measure anywhere from 1 to 8 ft. long and weigh anywhere between 1 and 180 lbs. Common types include blue mackerel, school mackerel, spotted mackerel, and grey mackerel. Management. They are lighter and more mild in flavor with firmer meat. There are certain characteristics of the mackerel species that make it difficult to tell the difference between the Spanish mackerel and juvenile kings. Spanish mackerel have been known to reach 32 inches. Lifespan: Atlantic Spanish Mackerel can live up to 12 years. Read the label to make sure you don’t exceed your daily limits for sodium and fat. If these are accurate pics, that would be the easiest way to tell the difference ! Jack mackerel which is actually part of the jack family, related to yellowtail and amberjack or Sierra mackerel, which is larger. “They’re a wonderful source of omega-3 fatty acids, they’re caught in the wild and they’re cheap.”. The next time you’re weighing dinner options, follow these tips for choosing fish that are high in omega-3, low in mercury, safely sourced and sustainably caught. If you love your catfish, choose farm-raised varieties from American waters or try Asian carp, which has a similar taste. Other than fortified products, there are few other food sources of Vitamin D. They may be packed in water, tomato juice or olive oil. Let’s say you get away without a fine. You go on social media and post a picture of yourself holding a keeper Spanish Mackerel. 800-1500 gr. They contain a great source of calcium and Vitamin D, so they support bone health, too. Fatty fish like herring provide around 1.5 grams of omega-3s per 3 ounce serving. Thankfully the Broad Barred Mackerel has a few distinct features, one of which is the first dorsal fin, which is jet black. Here’s Why We All Need to Practice Vaccine Patience. Spanish Mackerel (Scomberomorous maculatus) Found inshore, near shore and offshore especially over deep grass beds and reefs. Bag limits vary by state, but in most cases you can expect it to be around 15 Spanish Mackerel, and between one and three King Mackerel. : NZ-02 Additional information Grading: 600-1000 gr. The main similarity between King Mackerel and Spanish Mackerel is where you can catch them: throughout the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. The lateral line on a King Mackerel drops sharply near the first dorsal fin. Actually, Kings and Spaniards have the same number of fins. However, it’s this difference that is … Either of which are much better table fare then Pacific mackerel. Fishing in Fort Myers Beach: An Angler's Guid... Steinhatchee Fishing: All You Need to Know. Most of these fish do not exceed three pounds (1.36 kg) in weight and may grow to be as long as three feet (90 cm). In Australia, blue mackerel are found mainly in southern, temperate and subtropical waters between southern Queensland and Western Australia. As we mentioned, the regulations are different. What is the difference between mackerel and king mackerel fish? 12 Heart-Healthy Foods to Work into Your Diet, How Omega-3 Foods Can Help You Be a Better Athlete, Is Fish Healthy for You? “But everyone’s desire for sushi may be putting us at risk for mercury toxicity.”. On a Spanish Mackerel, this line slopes down much more evenly. I had my line out and something took my bait. An open water species, Spanish Mackerel spawn … When they mature, the spots on King Mackerel either lose their color or fade into a leopard-like pattern. The Atlantic mackerel, Scomber scombrus, is found on both sides of the North Atlantic. Spanish mackerel (Spanish macks, spotted mackerel, Spaniards) have green backs and silvery bellies, with silvery sides marked with good-size golden yellow or mustard spots above and below the lateral line.