King mackerel
King Mackerel
The King Mackerel (Scomberomorus cavalla), also known as the kingfish or cavalla, is a migratory species of mackerel of the western Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico.
Pronunciation
King Mackerel: /kɪŋ ˈmækərəl/
Etymology
The term "mackerel" is believed to have originated from the Old French word "maquerel", meaning a pimp or broker. The "King" in King Mackerel signifies its larger size and stronger flavor compared to other mackerel species.
Description
The King Mackerel is a medium-sized fish, typically encountered from five to 14 kg (30 lb), but is known to exceed 40 kg (90 lb). The entire body is covered with very small, hardly visible, loosely attached scales. The first (spiny) dorsal fin is entirely colorless and is normally folded back into a body groove, as are the pelvic fins. Coloration is olive on the back, fading to silver with a rosy iridescence on the sides, fading to white on the belly.
Habitat and Behavior
King Mackerel are found in the western Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico, from the coast of the United States to Brazil, including the Caribbean Sea. They are a pelagic fish that spend the majority of their life in the open ocean, but can be found in nearshore waters during spawning season.
Related Terms
- Mackerel: A common name applied to a number of different species of pelagic fish.
- Pelagic fish: Fish species that live in the water column of coastal, ocean, and lake waters, but not on or near the bottom of the sea or the lake.
- Spawning (fish): The process of producing eggs in fish.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on King mackerel
- Wikipedia's article - King mackerel
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