🌊 Saltwater

King Mackerel

Scomberomorus cavalla

The king mackerel — known as "kingfish" to most anglers — is one of the most popular sport fish in the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic coast. A large, fast, and aggressive predator, it tears through schools of baitfish at high speed, often leaping clear of the water. King mackerel tournaments are a fixture of Gulf fishing culture, and they are also widely consumed as a food fish.

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Typical Size
24–48 inches (60–122 cm) typical
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Weight
5–30 lbs (2.3–13.6 kg) typical; record over 93 lbs (42 kg)
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Lifespan
18+ years
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Water Type
Saltwater

🗺️ Habitat

Atlantic coast from Maine to Brazil; most abundant in the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic. Highly migratory, following warm water northward in summer.

🔍 How to Identify King Mackerel

  • 1Slim, silver body with no spots as an adult (spots present on juveniles)
  • 2Sharp lateral line that dips sharply downward below the second dorsal fin
  • 3First dorsal fin has blue or black coloring
  • 4Large mouth with razor-sharp, knife-like teeth
  • 5Iridescent green back fading to silver sides

🍽️ Diet

Menhaden, pilchards, Spanish mackerel, squid, and shrimp

💡 Fun Facts About King Mackerel

  • ★King mackerel tournaments along the Gulf Coast offer million-dollar prize purses
  • ★They have razor-sharp teeth and are the most common cause of fishing boat injuries
  • ★King mackerel are high in mercury and recommended to be eaten in moderation
  • ★They can swim at over 50 mph in short bursts when pursuing prey
  • ★King mackerel migrate from Florida in winter to as far north as Long Island in summer

🛡️ Conservation Status

Least Concern — managed through trip limits and size restrictions

🔗 Related Species

Wahoo

Identify King Mackerel Instantly with AI

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Learn more:

How to Identify Fish: A Beginner's GuideMost Common Freshwater Fish in North America← Back to All Fish Species